Rotterdam joins Choose Europe initiative

Rotterdam Makes Its Mark on Europe: Metropolitan Region Joins Choose Europe Initiative 

Europe’s drive to attract global business, innovation and talent gets a powerful new anchor: the metropolitan region of Rotterdam has officially joined the Choose Europe initiative - a collaborative platform uniting Europe’s most dynamic regions in spotlighting the continent as a destination of choice for companies and skilled professionals worldwide.

Rotterdam’s endorsement of Choose Europe reflects a shared belief that Europe’s competitive edge lies not in isolated efforts, but in collective ambition where cities and regions pool strengths to offer global enterprises unrivalled access to markets, talent, infrastructure, and quality of life.

Europe’s innovation landscape meets Rotterdam’s drive
Positioned at the heart of the EU single market, Rotterdam offers unrivalled connectivity - from the busiest port in Europe to seamless intermodal transport across the continent - and a business environment built for growth and impact. With thriving ecosystems in energy transition, digital transformation, circularity, medtech, logistics and sustainability, the city stands ready to welcome ambitious companies that want to scale and reshape industries and contribute to designing, implementing and sharing innovative solutions to these important challenges 

In joining Choose Europe, Rotterdam brings not only economic muscle and infrastructure, but a lived experience of diversity, inclusion and opportunity: a city where over 170 nationalities contribute to an entrepreneurial pulse, where talent thrives alongside a rich cultural fabric and quality of life that keeps people and ideas rooted locally while thinking globally.

“This partnership is a milestone for Rotterdam,” added Erik van Essen, Managing Partner, Rotterdam Partners. “We don’t just attract businesses - we help them become part of a living, collaborative European ecosystem. By joining Choose Europe, Rotterdam signals that our city is where opportunity converges with connectivity, innovation, and quality of life. For entrepreneurs and talent alike, this is a region that doesn’t wait for the future — it builds it. Rotterdam is proud to join Choose Europe, valuing the opportunity to stand alongside other leading cities in a European context and to collaborate in showcasing Europe’s strengths and innovations on the global stage.”

A shared vision of growth and cooperation
The Choose Europe network brings together leading European regions committed to lowering barriers and illuminating pathways for businesses and professionals worldwide. Rotterdam’s membership enhances this network’s ability to champion continental growth narratives and collectively position Europe as the destination of choice in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

“Rotterdam has always been a place where ambition meets action,” said Bertrand Foucher, Director of Only Lyon and Founding member of Choose Europe. “With Rotterdam on board, Choose Europe strengthens its promise to the world: Europe is not just open for business - it’s open for bold visions, for talent that wants to make a difference, and for companies ready to scale with purpose.”

Choose Europe is a collective of European regions working to attract international companies, talent, and investors by showcasing the continent’s diverse strengths, opportunities, and collaborative ecosystems. By aligning vision and resources, members provide seamless access to markets, communities, and support networks that help scale ideas into impact.

Choose Europe Members: Amsterdam inbusiness, Business Region Göteborg, Catalonia Trade and Investment, Choose Paris Region, City of Riga, City of Warsaw, Copenhagen Capacity, FrankfurtRheinMain GmbH, Greater Zurich Area Ltd., Helsinki Partners, Invest Stockholm, ONLYLYON & CO, Oslo Business Region, Rotterdam Partners, Vienna Business Agency.