6. Freedom without fear

For EVE, freedom and safety are inseparably linked. Eindhoven is a city where everyone is welcome, regardless of origin, income, or who you love. That is not an empty slogan but a political choice. Too often, freedom and safety are presented as opposites. EVE chooses to strengthen them together. Freedom means being able to be yourself. Safety means being able to rely on that in practice.

We leave no one behind and take responsibility for a city in which everyone feels welcome, safe, and seen, now and in the future.

1. Freedom and Safety as a Shared Responsibility

The municipality is clear about what Eindhoven stands for. Freedom and safety are not abstract values but principles we actively promote, expect from one another, and make visible in practice. From actively combating crime and nuisance to supporting initiatives that promote equality and inclusion, freedom and safety form the foundation of our policies.

2. Safety Begins in the Neighborhood

Safety requires proximity. We ensure a visible and approachable presence of professionals in neighborhoods, so that signals are recognized early and escalation is prevented.

3. Visible Safety and Clear Points of Contact

We strengthen the visibility and support of community enforcement officers, city wardens, and police in neighborhoods. They are recognizable points of contact for residents and play a crucial role in prevention, enforcement, and building trust. We invest in strong cooperation, proper support, and appreciation for these professions.

4. Zero Tolerance for Intimidation and Discrimination

We do not accept intimidation, racism, discrimination, or exclusion. The municipality will act decisively when signals arise and will visibly and accessibly support victims.

5. Clear and Accessible Reporting Points

We ensure clear and low-threshold reporting points where residents can turn in cases of intimidation, crime, discrimination, and insecurity. Reports will be taken seriously and followed by concrete action, not endless referrals.

6. Protection and Support for Victims

Anyone facing threats, discrimination, or intimidation will not stand alone. The municipality will provide support, guidance, and, where necessary, legal assistance, and will actively safeguard the safety of those involved. This also applies to online hate.

7. Prevention Through Education and Encounter

We invest in prevention through schools, youth work, sports, culture, and neighborhood initiatives. New residents are actively informed about their rights and responsibilities in Eindhoven. By stimulating dialogue and meaningful encounters, we prevent polarization and the normalization of exclusion.

8. Actively Countering Polarization

We actively create space, provide support, and offer visibility to initiatives, events, and organizations that help counter polarization and strengthen connection and equality. This includes dialogues on Israel and Gaza. As an international city, we also pay attention to struggles for freedom elsewhere in the world, such as protests in Iran, repression in Venezuela, and the war in Ukraine. In this way, we clearly demonstrate that these values are the norm in our city.

9. The Freedom to Be Yourself in Public Space

Everyone must feel safe in the streets, on public transport, at school, at work, and at events. Whether through smart use of lighting or cameras, we explicitly assess policies and public space design for social safety and inclusion.

10. Extra Attention for Groups Facing Greater Insecurity

We recognize that some groups structurally experience more intimidation or exclusion. We shape policies and support in ways that ensure they feel better protected and actively involve them in decision-making that affects them.

11. Eindhoven Day of Freedom

Eindhoven will organize an annual Day of Freedom, during which we celebrate our shared values as a city: freedom, equality, and inclusion. This day is distinct from Liberation Day, which focuses on remembering and celebrating freedom after war. Together with social organizations, cultural institutions, international communities, and all residents of Eindhoven, we create space for dialogue, encounter, and celebration across neighborhoods and throughout the city.