Epe imposes record daily penalty on COA over asylum housing
Epe, donderdag, 16 april 2026.
The municipality of Epe has imposed a daily fine of 63,480 euros on the COA starting April 22, escalating to a potential total of 11.5 million euros if asylum seekers remain housed in the Fletcher hotel beyond the agreed closure date. This makes Epe the third Dutch municipality to levy such high penalties against the national asylum agency, sparking debate over proportionality and governance. Legal experts question whether these massive fines constitute sound administrative practice. The move follows similar actions by Westerwolde and Hardenberg, highlighting growing tensions between local governments and the central asylum system amid a nationwide shortage of housing alternatives.
record fine imposed on coa
The municipality of Epe has confirmed the imposition of a daily penalty of 63,480 euros on the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) effective April 22, 2026. This action targets the continued housing of 276 asylum seekers in the Fletcher Hotel, which was scheduled to close earlier. The total amount could reach 11.5 million euros if no resolution occurs quickly. The decision reflects mounting frustration among municipalities managing emergency shelters under strained agreements [1].
legal basis and proportional concerns
Legal scholars have questioned the proportionality of such large financial penalties. Viola Bex-Reimert, a professor of administrative law, described the amounts as ‘absurd’ and raised doubts about good governance practices [2]. While Epe defends its stance by citing reimbursement rates from the national government for emergency shelter operations, critics argue standard penalties for unauthorized use rarely exceed 10,000 euros weekly. The scale of Epe’s measure intensifies scrutiny on intergovernmental accountability mechanisms [2][3].
national pattern of municipal resistance
Epe joins Hardenberg and Westerwolde in taking strict enforcement measures against the COA due to unresolved shelter obligations. Hardenberg levies 55,000 euros per day, capped at 5 million euros, after its own deadline passed [2]. Similarly, Westerwolde reached its five-million-euro cap in March 2026 despite ongoing occupancy issues at Ter Apel [2]. These coordinated actions suggest broader systemic pressures stemming from insufficient alternative accommodations across the country [4].
coa cites lack of viable alternatives
The COA maintains that closing the facility immediately would leave individuals homeless, emphasizing there are currently no available relocation sites. A spokesperson stated clearly that ‘a coercive penalty does not solve the problem’ but acknowledged reliance on municipalities to provide solutions [4]. With more closures planned than openings nationally, the structural deficit grows, undermining compliance efforts regardless of financial incentives or sanctions imposed locally [4][5].
local leadership weighs difficult choices
Burgemeester Tom Horn emphasized that adherence to agreements remains essential, stating publicly, ‘Agreements must be honored. This is not directed against residents, but against an untenable situation.’ He admitted personal discomfort with the decision, calling it a choice between two undesirable outcomes [4]. Despite emotional weight, Epe insists firmness is necessary to uphold rule-based cooperation between state agencies and local authorities facing direct community impact [1][4].
broader implications for asylum policy
Tensions extend beyond Epe, with Almelo recently initiating enforcement proceedings over fourteen status holders housed in a former detention center [3]. Other municipalities cite uneven burdens and call for clearer national frameworks. According to ministry guidance, the COA should declare force majeure promptly when unable to comply—yet delays persist. Without better coordination, legal disputes and financial escalations may become routine rather than exceptional responses [2][3].