As a professor of practice, Mendeltje analyzes the impact of EU policies on regions, municipalities, agencies, SMEs, and national governments. As Jean Monnet Chair 'EU Act Digital,' Mendeltje's focus is on the impact of EU digital policy.

dr. Mendeltje van Keulen 

So the most important lesson we learn over and over again: seeing is believing. Everyone always talks about the importance of networking, but it often remains an abstract concept. Only when you visit Brussels and start talking to the people do you realize how much happens in the corridors, outside the formal circuit.

As a research group, we always emphasize how important Brussels is for the Netherlands. That's why we visit there every year. As we walk around there and have conversations with stakeholders in organizations, it strikes us every year how much you miss if you are not there. 

Our return trip to Brussels

For European Impact, ‘empowering communities’ – the central theme of the EWRC – means giving organisations and people the necessary tools to understand, connect and collaborate with the European Union. Because once you build this toolkit, you can have a lasting impact.

Our lecturer-researcher, Tibor Hargitai, spent this week in Brussels connecting with colleagues and listening to the challenges they face. Drawing on his experience in helping organisations become EU-ready, he gathered valuable insights. Here are his 

 from the EWRC that you might find useful for your own work with Europe:

The majority of the legislation affecting regions and cities has been negotiated in the European Union (EU). But local and regional authorities do not always have the necessary EU skills and knowledge to anticipate these policies. Not only does this lead to a lack of influence early on, but it can also lead to missing out on funding that could ease these pressures. This is a common trend across Europe, with many smaller 

to adequately capitalise on the EU opportunities available for them.

. All municipalities, regardless of size, need to know when and how to invest time and energy into EU affairs. Without this insight, they risk becoming overwhelmed by EU regulations that need to be implemented, such as the Nature Restoration Law or the Digital Services Act. Another risk is missing out on funding opportunities that could alleviate these pressures.

At European Impact, we have experience with aligning research with the practical needs of organisations. For example, Tibor has researched how cities such as Budapest can 

. He also managed a Community of Practice that explored ways for 

. You can find this and other projects on our 

The value of networking for EU professionals

Building a continuous network with different people working in diverse fields is a skill that will benefit you throughout your career. Networking opportunities like those at the EWRC create chances for collaboration, internships, and new connections.

During the event, Tibor connected with professionals from diverse fields – representatives of subnational authorities, policy experts and other colleagues. These interactions often open doors to future

 are a good place to start. At the EWRC, Tibor spoke with different municipal representatives, and he believes both students and municipalities would benefit from 

. Students can also benefit from networking events in which European Impact is involved, such as 

Don't want to miss an activity organised by European Impact? Keep a close eye on our 

Tibor's week in Brussels culminated with a presentation in front of 230 local and regional ministers of East-Netherlands. He shared his expertise on how these professionals can support the Europeanisation of their local and regional governance. This presentation was just one example of how European Impact shares practical, research-based 

to strengthen communities in their approach to EU affairs.

Are you looking for guidance on EU policy, funding advice, or exploring collaborative networks within the EU? European Impact is here to support you. Visit our 

 for more details on what we offer and how we can work together on EU-related challenges.

Navigating EU policies and accessing EU funding can be challenging. Especially for organisations without dedicated resources or experience. That is why European Impact went to this year’s European Week of Regions and Cities (EWRC) to listen, learn, and share in discussions with other professionals about the challenges they face.

Our advice for cities navigating EU policies and funding

For her research, Rosa studied eight cases in which the four cities of The Hague, Geneva, Vienna and Copenhagen faced international competition on bringing in international organizations. In half of the cases, the city had failed and in the other half they were successful.

- Networks bringing in International organizations should behave like a host, listen carefully to the needs of the international employees, and be more outward-looking.

- More people and more different people could be involved in the networks to successfully bring in International Organizations.

- Engaged networks that walked 'the extra mile' are more successful in bringing in International Organizations than those that do not. This includes publicizing the importance of International Organizations in the city or country, locally and internationally.

After completing her PhD, Rosa will use her knowledge in her work at European Impact. The knowledge from her research is valuable because it can be applied to cases of housing European agencies. Furthermore, the research informs us about how (international) policy networks can be successfully set up and how they relate to the international community in a city (such as Brussels or The Hague).

On 24 November, our team member Rosa Groen will defend her PhD thesis 'Walking the Extra Mile; How governance networks attract International Organizations to Geneva, The Hague, Vienna, and Copenhagen (1995-2015)' in Leiden.

Hosting an international organisation in your city; #how?

How is it possible that someone with a Master’s in European Studies and work experience in both Brussels and The Hague still couldn’t clearly explain how things 

 work? These days, I have a much better answer.

The EU works because thousands of professionals – from policymakers to lobbyists, researchers to diplomats – collaborate every day to turn European plans into concrete results. They shape policies that eventually come to life in 

But to make that work, knowledge is essential. Not just knowledge of institutions and procedures, but also of the networks, 

 to engage, and how to effectively collaborate with colleagues from 26 other countries.

EU skills such as lobbying, negotiating, and international teamwork are just as important as theoretical knowledge. Without that practical insight, professionals risk missing opportunities – and the Netherlands risks losing influence.

 study by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, specifically the independent Policy and Operations Evaluation Department (IOB): knowledge and understanding of how the EU operates are crucial for countries, organisations, and individuals to succeed in Europe. Other countries also struggle with this, as the comparative part of the study shows.

That’s exactly why Mendeltje van Keulen and I are writing a handbook: "Working with the EU". It’s aimed at young professionals taking their first steps in the European arena. We answer the question: how does the EU 

 work? Not from a lecture hall perspective, but from practice. Who do you need to know? Which skills are essential? And how can you navigate the Brussels playing field effectively?

Our book will offer practical insights into how the EU functions behind the scenes, which roles and networks matter, and how you can make your own impact. It’s a must-read whether you’re starting your first EU-related job or already working in the field and looking for fresh insights.

Have ideas about what definitely belongs in the book to help prepare for a European career? 

 our survey! Want to be the first to know when the book is available? Sign up for 

When I completed my master's in European Studies in 2022, I thought I knew it all. The EU is a union of 27 member states; the Commission, the Parliament, and the Council are important. They make laws in Brussels, and occasionally in Strasbourg, on everything from agriculture to digitalisation and from international exchanges to the environment. But how does the EU really work in practice? That's the question professor of practice Mendeltje van Keulen asked me when I, Gijs Giesen, applied for a position at European Impact. And to my surprise, I didn't have much to say.

How does the EU really work?

Strictly speaking, there is no such thing as an ‘EU law’. At one point, the idea was to rename the so-called ‘directive’, because the term can be misleading. Directives are, in fact, fully binding. The same goes for ‘regulations’, which apply in all EU member states. These two legal instruments each serve their own purpose and have a different impact. But what exactly are they – and why does the difference matter? Let's break it down.

An EU regulation is a legal rule that applies directly in 

. National governments do not have to translate, or: 

, it into their own legal systems. This ensures consistency: the rules are exactly the same in every country and can be enforced immediately.

In English, this type of law is called a regulation, although the European Commission often prefers the slightly bolder American term ‘act’. Regulations are binding and ensure EU law is applied in the same way across the Union. This prevents differences in how countries interpret or implement rules.

And they do not only apply to governments, but also to businesses, organisations and even individual citizens. A well-known example is the 

, the EU’s privacy regulation, which sets out how companies must handle personal data. This ensures that everyone in the EU is subject to the same rules.

A directive is a type of EU law that requires member states to achieve certain goals but leaves it up to each country to decide how they do that. This gives governments room to adapt the rules to their national context.

. It requires EU countries to use more sustainable energy, but each government may decide how it wants to meet that goal. This is done by the government in a legislative process: translating and submitting a bill to the national parliament.

Once the parliament has adopted the necessary legislation, the government notifies the European Commission. The Commission then checks whether the directive has been implemented correctly and on time. If not, it can take enforcement action. (The Netherlands, for instance, often has a list of directives that have not been transposed in time.)

Creating a new EU policy involves several players. The European Commission drafts legislative proposals based on input from experts, public concerns and stakeholder interests. Then the 27 member states and the European Parliament negotiate every article of a proposed directive or regulation – and both must give their approval.

Meanwhile, businesses, trade unions, and civil society organisations also try to influence the process. This ensures that new rules are broadly supported and grounded in reality.

These laws do not appear out of nowhere. Sometimes, member states request the Commission to propose legislation – usually when an issue arises that requires joint action. In other cases, the Commission takes the initiative, based on research or pressing societal challenges. Here are three examples:

The European Commission took the lead in reducing CO₂ emissions from cars. Since cars are traded freely across the EU, a single European standard made more sense than 27 different national rules. So the Commission proposed one common emissions standard, so that all EU car manufacturers operate under the same rules.

In other cases, it’s the member states that take the lead. Southern European countries like Italy, Greece and Spain already called in 2021 for joint European action on migration. Their emergency shelters and registration centres were overwhelmed by the high numbers of migrants arriving via the Mediterranean. In 2024, this resulted in a new 

, which sets out how migrants should be distributed more fairly among the member states.

Sometimes, brand new EU rules are also softened or revised. Take the 

, the directive on environmental reporting. It had not yet been implemented, but already in spring 2025, the Commission presented a revised text. The idea is that in a time of geopolitical competition, businesses should face fewer EU rules.

All EU laws apply to all EU member states. However, there are key differences between regulations and directives.

is binding and directly applicable in all EU countries, without the need for national implementation. This means the same rules apply across the EU, from the Netherlands to Slovenia. A 

is also binding, but member states retain flexibility in how they achieve the agreed goal. Directives must be transposed into national law.

Want to learn how a regulation or directive is developed? We’ll explain that in our next blog. Don’t want to miss it? 

 to our newsletter and stay up to date with our latest publications.

From new environmental regulations to consumer rights: many of the laws that shape our daily lives are made at the EU level. But how are these rules created? And why do some apply directly, while others need to be translated into national law first? In this blog, we explain how EU legislation works – and what the difference is between a regulation and a directive.

From EU regulation to directive: what's the difference and why does it matter?

Mendeltje is the lector of lectorate "Changing Role of Europe," but she does not teach at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. Even though she does not teach permanently, she can be hired for guest lectures or as a speaker on the 'Return trip to Brussels'.

More information about this? Contact us at info@europeanimpact.nl!

Dutch people working on the European Union. What do they actually do there? And above all, who travels on the return trip to Brussels via Strasbourg and The Hague? Dr. Mendeltje van Keulen speaks about it at a lecture for first-year public administration students at The Hague University of Applied Sciences.

Guest Lecture by dr. Mendeltje van Keulen

We, as European Impact, gave an EU course at the Province of Utrecht. In four sessions employees of water boards, Utrecht municipalities and the province were given the basics about the creation of Brussels legislation and how you can influence this legislation!

EU course Province of Utrecht

European Impact of the Haage Hogeschool launches 

 ('Return trip to Brussels'); an accessible booklet that gives insight into how nine Dutch people in different roles are active around European decision-making.

Authors Mendeltje van Keulen and Chris Aalbers both have decades of experience with 'Brussels'. Based on their conversations with professionals, they show the reader why it is relevant to sit at the table with policymakers in Brussels. If you understand the Brussels process, your impact can be huge.



provides a transparent look at how policy is created in Brussels and how you, as an organisation, can play a serious role in this process. Through nine interviews with the people who are 'in the business' everyday, the authors take the reader into the heart of European decision-making.

Mendeltje van Keulen says of the content: 

"Retourtje Brussel has that name because, as professionals in Dutch organisations, we need to realise how important it is to have a seat at the table in Brussels with European policymakers. It does not have to cost more than a train ticket Netherlands-Brussels. Access to the EU is free."

'Retourtje Brussel' is available in bookshops and online including at:

In 'Retourtje Brussel' (translated: 'Return trip to Brussels'), Chris Aalberts and Mendeltje van Keulen speak with nine Dutch professionals working in Brussels. The conversations form a picture of the daily practice of European cooperation  and how 'the Netherlands' takes part in this. The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the EU from a practical point of view

New book 'Retourtje Brussel': How do the Dutch work on European cooperation

Mendeltje van Keulen contributed to this year's edition of 'The Yearbook of European Integration', published by the Institute for European Politics with a chapter on the Netherlands. In this chapter, she explores the position of the Netherlands in the European Union.

The Yearbook of European Integration is a book series that has been documenting and analysing the European integration process since 1980. This has resulted in a unique documentation of over 43 years of contemporary European history. The 2023 edition of the Yearbook continues this tradition.

Mendeltje is one of more than 100 contributors who all trace the European political events of the 2022/2023 reporting period in their respective research areas.

Mendeltje van Keulen contributed to this year's edition of 'The Yearbook of European Integration', published by the Institute for European Politics with a chapter on the Netherlands.

Mendeltje writes a chapter in The Yearbook of European Integration 2023

No less than €200 billion in EU funds is scrutinised by the European Court of Auditors. Under the guidance of moderators Mendeltje van Keulen and Bert van Slooten, the discussion in 

 – marked by sharp questions and humour – explored various aspects of this work. How effective is this oversight? What kinds of irregularities are uncovered? And does the Netherlands feel the impact of these findings? 

That ‘the watchdog of European finances’ does indeed bite at times became clear from Blok’s examples. He stressed: "When we take on new European loans, we must carefully discuss the repayment structure and consider the consequences of rising interest rates." His warning came at a politically sensitive moment, as just a day earlier, the Dutch House of Representatives had passed the Eerdmans motion, in which the Netherlands opposed the European financing of defense measures through joint loans. 

 got exactly what the organisers aimed for: a lively insight into the political and administrative workings of Europe, with plenty of opportunities for interaction with the guest speaker. Curious? You can watch a recording of the event for free 

The next edition of this series is currently being planned. As soon as the date is confirmed, it will be shared on our social media channels!

What is the European Court of Auditors, and what role does this organisation play within the EU? This question was central to the first edition of Brusselse Nieuwe Live, a lecture series featuring key Dutch figures in Europe, held at Nieuwspoort and co-organised by European Impact. The first edition welcomed Stef Blok, member of the European Court of Auditors, as its guest speaker.

Does the financial watchdog bite? – On the guardian of European finances

Rosa Groen, Karijn Nijhoff and Gijs Giesen wrote a publication linked to the project 

EU Mobile Citizens - challenges and successes

: "How small to medium-sized towns and businesses deal with EU Mobile Citizens".

The article explores the challenges faced by EU Mobile Citizens, particularly those engaged in low-skilled jobs across various Western European countries. It highlights issues such as inadequate housing, healthcare, and working conditions. The study, interviews conducted in small to medium-sized towns across Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Poland, and Spain, emphasizes the lack of registration, leading to difficulties in offering effective assistance. Recommendations include fostering collaborations and further research to influence local policies and address these pressing issues.

Rosa Groen, Karijn Nijhoff and Gijs Giesen wrote a publication linked to the project EU Mobile Citizens - challenges and successes: "How small to medium-sized towns and businesses deal with EU Mobile Citizens".

EU Mobile Citizens: challenges and successes

Nabeschouwing van de Conferentie over de Toekomst van Europa

Together with the Province of South Holland and the Municipalities of The Hague, Dordrecht, Leiden and Rotterdam, European Impact utilized a Community of Practice (CoP) to explore how municipalities and provinces are working on European opportunities.

Based on the findings from the CoP, our team of researchers wrote 13 recommendations for becoming a 'Europe-savvy organisation'. 

.

Would you be interested in collaborating with us on this subject? Email our researcher Tibor Hargitai via t.a.j.hargitai@hhs.nl!


How does your organization become EU-aware and competent?
Influence on 'Brussels', knowledge sharing or European grants: they all require attention from your thematic colleagues as well as from the management.


How does your organization become EU-aware and competent?

How governance networks attract International Organizations to Geneva, The Hague, Vienna, and Copenhagen (1995-2015)

On 24 November, 2022, dr. Rosa Groen successfully received her doctorate. She researched how policy networks bring International Organizations to cities by comparing Geneva, Vienna and Copenhagen with The Hague. Dr. Groen will continue her follow-up research from within European Impact. Congratulations! 

Dr. Rosa Groen received her doctorate

Talkshow: waar is Europa in de gemeenteraadsverkiezingen?

HYPE (Hartman Young Professionals for Europe) is a network for young policymakers, researchers, and advisors in the (semi-)public sector whose work involves the EU. Through training sessions, study visits, and networking activities, HYPE helps its members gain a better understanding of European policy processes and work more effectively within them.

At European Impact, we see every day how essential it is to learn from hands-on experience. Through our research and networking activities, we support organisations and individuals who play a role in the European sphere. This aligns closely with HYPE’s mission: to give young talents the opportunity to gain experience, connect directly with policymakers, and learn how to make an impact within their own organisations.

With his chairmanship, Gijs wants to take participants into the multifaceted and dynamic working field of the EU professional. To do so, he will use his experience as a researcher of European Impact and make use of the lectureship's broad network. In this way, the HYPE network and European Impact remain grounded in practice.

Want to learn more about HYPE or have any questions? Visit 

. Or contact Gijs Giesen: g.g.giesen@hhs.nl.


What is it like to work as a young professional within the European field? What opportunities and challenges do they encounter? Our researcher Gijs Giesen will address this not only academically at European Impact, but also in practice. In fact, Gijs will serve as president of HYPE8 for the next two years.



Gijs Giesen appointed as new Chair of HYPE

The award is granted by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, Turkey Office, and is accompanied by a €1000 honorarium equally shared among the authors. Congratulations Vasilis!

One of our researchers, dr. Vasilis Karakasis's joint proposal about Building Trust in Turkish-Greek Cooperation has been awarded one of the five 2022 Micro-grants for collaborative Turkish-Greek study projects within the framework of the Dialogue initiative.

Micro-grant for dr. Vasilis Karakasis

Elisabeth Minnemann, president of the Executive Board of The Hague University of Applied Sciences, said, "This is a tremendous appreciation for Mendeltje's work and the impact of her practice-oriented research. We congratulate her wholeheartedly. This chair offers our knowledge institution a great opportunity to create impact in co-creation with various partners on one of the major social issues of our time. That we can do this in a European context is all the more wonderful given the ever-growing importance of Europe."

Van Keulen has been lecturer Changing role of Europe at knowledge center Global Inclusive Learning of The Hague University of Applied Sciences since Jan. 1, 2018. Her research group focuses on the organization of European cooperation within municipalities, governments and companies, for example.

The lectorate works from a broad (inter-)national network of educators, researchers and governments. "Developments in the field of cyber, artificial intelligence and network security are moving at lightning speed and administrators in Brussels and The Hague are trying to adjust this. This chair makes it possible to explore together with regional governments or local SMEs, for example, what impact digital legislation has on them, and what skills our students need as the professionals of the future," Van Keulen says.




The Jean Monnet Chair is awarded by the European Commission for three years to professors with an outstanding profile and expertise in European Union studies.

Last week it was announced that Dr. Mendeltje van Keulen has been awarded a Jean Monnet Chair in the field of European Digital Policy. For a period of three years, she will further strengthen professional education with the professorship through applied research with students in the field of European knowledge and skills.


Jean Monnet Chair awarded to Dr. Mendeltje van Keulen!

During the project "Facing Europe's Challenges" they will interview professionals in 10 small to medium sized cities in Ireland, Sweden, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands about how the EU mobile citizens or migrant workers from within the EU are housed and registered. The students will interview the EU representative of the region, a business, and a local policy maker in each town. 

With this international comparison the students gain research skills and help to collect data, so European Impact can advice different parties. A win-win!

Our researcher, dr. Rosa Groen, is leading an exciting project by European Studies students from The Hague University of Applied Sciences, for European Impact. 

Project "Facing Europe's Challenges" 

They presented their report 'Shaping National Voices' and they asked about the EU lobby strategy of different countries. They also spoke with part of the Czech network of female experts from think tanks and universities in International Relations and European Studies. We don't have such a network in the Netherlands!

How do other countries try to influence Brussels politics and what can the Netherlands learn from that? Mendeltje van Keulen visited Vienna and Prague in the beginning of April with that research question with the EU team of IOB evaluation.


'Shaping National Voices' presented in Prague and Vienna

Join us on 22 April for an event organised by The Lighthouse, the event centre of The Hague University of Applied Sciences. Lecturer-researcher Shana Atangana Bekono will be in conversation with journalist and US expert Laila Frank, who will analyse the consequences of America's new direction.

On 22 April, from 16:00-17:30 in the Speakers’ Corner of The Hague University of Applied Sciences. The event will be in English. Students and staff of The Hague University of Applied Sciences are welcome. Admission is free. Sign up 

Donald Trump is back in the White House and making controversial decisions that are putting both the United States and the rest of the world on edge. What does this mean for Europe and the Netherlands? And how significant is the influence of figures like Elon Musk?

Discussing Trump 2.0: The Impact on Europe & the world

Under our new flag, European Impact, we are committed to creating impact on (future) professionals and organisations by applied research, training and expertise at The Hague University for Applied Science.

You find us on our social media accounts. Do stay up to date on our activities for European Impact:
- Instagram: @europeanimpact
- LinkedIn: European Impact

It is 2024 and change is in the air. A new European Parliament and European Commission are just some of the many changes around the corner. We open a new chapter in our story as European Impact. What better time to do so than in Spring, the season of rebirth?

Change is in the Air: New Name, New Logo, Same Mission

They focused on one of the five key phases of the process: the 

 phase. Below, we’ve summarised the 7 most important lessons 

! This way, you can base your lobbying efforts on proven strategies.

The policy formation phase is the ideal moment to contribute to European policymaking. Why? At this early stage, the European Commission (EC) is actively seeking input. It needs a lot of information. The EC operates with relatively few staff and often lacks expertise on specialised topics.

To address this, the EC seeks input from experts, interest groups, and member states to ensure its policies align with the real-world practice across 27 countries. This is your opportunity to make an impact. But how do you ensure they come to you for information?

Preparation is half the battle. Do your homework and make sure you’re an expert on your topic. What kind of information do you have to offer?

Research indicates that there are various types of knowledge that can be particularly impactful. You’re off to a strong start if you can provide knowledge that:

offers insights into feasible policy options;

If you can also emphasise the broader European interest, you’ve struck gold.

It’s also vital to understand the language of Brussels. Every EU-level portfolio has its own terminology. A solid grasp of the specific jargon for your field will make you more effective.

Find out who is responsible for your issue within the European Commission. Who holds the pen? Focus on engaging with lower-level officials, as they are the ones actually writing the policy proposals.

Also, determine which Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) care about your topic. In this phase of policymaking, they also act as lobbyists, advocating their positions to the Commission. Remember that their ideological beliefs often outweigh their nationality, so collaborating with like-minded MEPs from other countries can be especially valuable.

The European Commission uses various methods to assess the debate. One of these is formal consultations, where experts are invited to provide input on a policy proposal.

Important to remember: you don’t always need a direct invitation to participate. Approach other parties who are likely to have a seat at the table, such as umbrella organisations or regional governments. They are often well-versed in their topics and are invited to contribute. Partnering with them can be a strategic move.

Informal networks are indispensable to the EC, particularly for addressing complex, technical, or cross-sectoral issues. What’s more, many officials feel that formal channels alone are not enough to provide the support they need.

Focus on building relationships, especially with officials who have been in their roles for a long time. Research shows that these individuals rely heavily on informal networks in their daily work.

Whoever you may be speaking with, it’s essential to understand their unique interests and priorities. Everyone has their own goals, and taking these into account can prevent missteps – or even allow you to strategically use them.

For example, MEPs are often driven more by ideology than nationality. Use this insight to build partnerships with those who share your goals.

6 Recognise that officials have opinions too

Officials at the European Commission are people, not robots. Their views on economics and policy often reflect the directorate (the EU version of a ministry) they work for. For example, directorates that focus on regulating the free market tend to attract officials who believe in a bigger role for the state. On the flip side, directorates championing market freedoms usually draw officials with more pro-market views.

If you understand these dynamics, you can adjust your message to really hit the mark.

By now, you’ve seen that influencing EU policy is not an impossible task, but it does require commitment. Contacts need to be nurtured, even outside peak moments in the policymaking process.

Is it important to you that your perspective is taken into account? Make sure you (or your organisation) dedicate enough resources to it on an ongoing basis.

Influencing policy at the EU level thus requires a smart approach and sustained effort, but it also offers a unique opportunity to make a real 

. Would you like to learn how your organisation can achieve this effectively? We’re here to help. Get 

 with us to discover how Europe can become a powerful part of your strategy.

Is that one EU rule getting in your way? Or do you want the EU to make new regulations? Then it’s crucial to know when and where to intervene in the EU policy process. Our researchers, Marije and Vasilis, have studied how to ensure your perspective makes an impact on policymaking.



7 Ways to influence EU policy effectively – Backed by theory

‘Europe’ is not something that just happens in offices in Brussels. It can also be found close to home. Every day, hundreds of professionals in decentralised governments, businesses and universities are working on, with and for EU-ambitions and -regulations. As applied researchers focusing on the daily practice of ‘working with the EU’, these people are at the core of our expertise. Therefore, the EWRC is an important event for us to connect, learn and get inspired for new activities.

 is an expert when it comes to the do's and don'ts for municipalities in Brussels. That is why on Tuesday 8 October, he will be giving an EU-masterclass to regional and local administrators from the East of the Netherlands. The session will be followed by an informal drinks reception—an excellent opportunity to connect and exchange insights with Tibor and other professionals.

You may have seen that our team members are currently active for 

, a network of 20 Applied Science Universities from The Netherlands. Through the EU office in Brussels, UASNL contributes to policy developments, builds European partnerships and shows the value of applied research in answering the challenges Europe faces. Applied research activities distinguish themselves from traditional academic research with their strong regional embeddedness, contributing to both local, regional and European ambitions. The session 

Harnessing Talent and Skills in Europe’s regions

 is co-hosted by UASNL and will be moderated by our Lector 

Throughout the EWRC, we will be attending several of the events in the official program, as well as side-events and networking opportunities. If you are attending, we encourage you to connect with us. You can reach us via 

 a message on LinkedIn – we are always open to meet new people and to engage in productive discussions.

Are you working on European affairs for a municipality or regional authority? If so, it is likely you or your colleagues will be attending the European Week of Regions and Cities (EWRC) this October. Several team members from European Impact will also be there! In this article, find out which sessions we are hosting and how you can connect with us. 

Our presence at the Week of Regions and Cities   

, a new initiative by European Impact in collaboration with Utrecht University, is a new, hands-on postgraduate program that is designed for professionals, by professionals who deal with the European Union in their daily work.

From the 7th of March to the 9th of May, Mendeltje van Keulen and Shana Atangana Bekono from the research group, alongside Prof. Dr. Femke van Esch from Utrecht University, will guide you through hands-on sessions. You will gain new insights into your professional practice and do so through academic studies, consultations with EU professionals, and more. At the end, you will be equipped with all the skills necessary in your EU-related job aspects, brought together by an official certificate given at the end.




 You will acquire relevant skills and insights that are directly applicable in your professional environment.



You will gain insights from specialized lecturers, with extensive experience in European working.



 You will collaborate and network with likeminded colleagues and expand your EU network.




Throughout the course of two months, there will be 5 main modules:

 You will ask your questions about the course and explain to everyone how your work is EU – related.



 You will explore the role of the EU in your organisation and what the EU can further offer to your work organisation



You will learn about EU grants and subsidies and the eligibility of your work programmes.



 You will learn how to lobby and how to influence the EU decision making process.



For the final module, you will reflect on your learning goals throughout the course and discuss your ideas with EU officials and professionals.


The course will take place on Fridays (every two or three weeks) from 10:00 - 16:00, at Utrecht University.

Are you interested in this course? Sign-ups have started NOW, so register before all the seats are taken! The deadline for applications is 24th of January 2025 and you can register using the application form 

.

For more details on the course, including pricing and a more extensive breakdown, visit the THUAS website 

Are you a professional, working in the public or private sector? Do you want to improve your EU-related expertise, but do not know where to start? 

Grip on Europe: An exciting new opportunity for professionals  

Are you interested in participating? Would you like to know more? Contact Miranda de Hei (Research Group Sustainable Talent Development) via m.s.a.dehei@hhs.nl or Tibor Hargitai (Research Group Changing Role of Europe) via t.a.j.hargitai@hhs.

Would you like to be part of discussing complex problems of our local government with European solutions? Researchers at The Hague University of Applied Sciences are organizing co-creation sessions where you can collaborate with teachers and local professionals.


Working European with co-creation 

EU policy is an important topic of discussion in the Netherlands. Together with 26 other EU member states, the Dutch government is trying to assert its interests in the creation of laws and regulations in Europe. Part of this development is the so-called 

, in which the European Commission develops topics on the agenda into policy proposals.

The Policy and Operations Evaluation Department (IOB) of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs in commissioned 

 to conduct research into the scientific literature available on influencing the policy-making phase at the European Commission. Drs. Marije Cornelissen and Dr. Vasilis Karakasis were responsible for conducting a literature review on this step in the EU policy process.

Their research, together with four other studies on the EU policy process, has now been published on the IOB website. In their report, Cornelissen and Karakasis identify the various elements that can influence policymaking. They conclude that the early involvement of a wide range of policymakers and other actors, both at national and EU level, can be an effective way to influence policy formulation. They also cite cooperation between the government and the opposition, for an unambiguous position, cooperation with other member states, sufficient manpower and a strategic choice of consultation instruments as important insights.

The report, formally titled 'Sub-study - Literature review phase Policymaking', can 

 from this study can also be foundon the IOB website.

How do member states exert their influence on the policies made in the European Union? What can the Netherlands do to effectively have its say with the European Commission in the policy-making phase? Our researchers Marije Cornelissen and Vasilis Karakasis delved into the available literature on this topic and published a report with their main findings.



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