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?

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

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?

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

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 op Europa: 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.



Lobbying the EU Policy shaping phase: literature review published

In early September, European Impact organised the first meeting of a Community of Practice with four municipalities and one province on European awareness within their organisations. This Community of Practice aims to jointly develop solutions to make the municipal organisation more aware and skilled in European affairs.

Why is this important? Many tasks of municipalities and regions can be supported by European cooperation. Municipalities and provinces can apply for European funds. But equally important is the exchange of knowledge between cities, influencing European Commission policy and putting your city or region on the map.

This Community of Practice is an excellent way for the European Impact Hub, in cooperation with partners in practice, to build a bridge between applied research and education at The Hague University of Applied Sciences.

Collaborating on European awareness in municipalities and provinces

We openen het café samen met onze speciale gast Tom de Bruijn. Tom was wethouder in de gemeente Den Haag, minister van Buitenlandse Handel en Ontwikkelingssamenwerkingen en permanent vertegenwoordiger van Nederland bij de EU.

Na de opening is er tijd drie interessante deelsessies: Europa in het gemeentehuis, hoe werken we aan Europa-bewustzijn?; Hoe ondersteunen we ons lokaal MKB om Europees actief te worden?; Europa: pinautomaat voor gemeenten of verspilde moeite?

Uiteraard sluiten we dag af met een borrel. Heeft het programma je nieuwsgierig gemaakt? Nodig je collega’s uit en kom langs voor een kop koffie in ons café. Het café is open voor alle geïnteresseerden, maar zal vooral voor beleidsmakers werkzaam in één van de 344 gemeentehuizen in Nederland als een warm bad aanvoelen.

Er is plaats voor 75 deelnemers, waarvan maximaal 15 studenten. 

Openingstijd: Donderdag 2 juni 2022, 14.00 t/m 17.00 uur (programma start om 14.30 uur)

Organisator: Lectoraat Changing Role of Europe / European Impact 

Op 2 juni opent éénmalig ons inspiratiecafé ‘Brussel & het stadhuis’; de ontmoetingsplaats voor iedereen die nieuwsgierig is naar het maken van ‘de Europese stap’ vanuit hun werk voor een lokale overheid.

Inspiration cafe Brussel & the cityhall

Wolfgang Wagner and his team at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) examine the 'willingness to fight' that has increased in recent decades.

Samuël Kruizinga and Elanie Rodermond investigate "foreign fighters," volunteers who actively participate in armed struggle for another country.

Rosa Groen investigates with Vasileios P. Karakasis and students how young people in the Schildersbuurt and Moerwijk neighborhoods in the Municipality of The Hague view the slogan 'international city of peace and justice' and the climate policy of the European Commission.

It is a challenging research in which Rosa and Visileios together with Gijs Giesen and Cathelijne de Groot look at how these topics conflict with the vision of policy makers, teachers and people from international organizations and NGOs in The Hague.

On April 24, our researcher Rosa Groen was at the Netherlands Study Center for Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR) for the Kick-Off of the small projects funded by the NWO, the Route Between Conflict and Cooperation of the National Science Agenda. Three inspiring projects, each with a ton of funding for up to 2 years, will be examined:

Kick-Off small projects funded by the NWO

Our researchers Tibor Hargitai and Rosa Groen pushed the boundaries of knowledge in Budapest! 🌍 At an IGCOORD conference, they told about their practice-based research. They facilitated a dynamic panel on city networks, presenting two academic and two practice-based studies, together with Carlo Epifanio.

IGCOORD conference

The students did not do this alone, but under the guidance of experienced experts, such as Bas Eickhout, member of the European Parliament, Laura de Vries of the Young Climate Movement, Arjen Kapteijns, also known as The Hague alderman for Sustainability, Energy Transition and Climate Adaptation, Prof dr. Herman Russchenberg of Delft University, Giulia Teodoro from the European Climate Pact, and Dr. Laura Stevens whose knowledge of biomimicry is well known within THUAS. Rosa Groen moderated the afternoon.

During these conversations, many different questions were asked about European Climate Policy. And the fact that we, as a 'young generation', were allowed to question these panel members made it much more exciting.

After a short break it was time for the workshops, where students could apply the theory from the first half of the meeting in their chosen workshops. As the title of the meeting suggests, the workshops were about nothing less than the climate.

For example, there was the workshop of Dr. Laura Stevens from the Industrial Design Engineering programme. Here, students got to work with biomimicry, using solutions from nature, for example in sustainable construction, to get inspired by. Certainly not surprising, because the term biomimicry is derived from the contraction of the Greek words bios 'life' and mimesis 'to imitate', so literally 'to imitate life'.

In addition, Public Administration students provided information in their workshops about The Hague - the international city of peace and justice - and about European climate policy, in order to find out how familiar these subjects are among local residents. The students hoped to learn more about this by conducting various interviews with young people from disadvantaged neighborhoods in The Hague. Many topics are discussed in these interviews for example questions about the 'just transition' and the 'Fit for 55 package'.

Based on scenarios, the students of International and European Law considered whether traveling in a group of friends was more justifiable by train or plane.

After the workshops were over, everyone moved back to the Speakers' Corner. There were more people than before and it seemed as if they had received a lot of energy from the workshops. The panel members had also taken a look at the workshops. Jeremy Herry, representative of the Directorate General Climate Action at the European Commission (DG CLIMA), said he was proud to have attended the workshop on biomimicry. He called it "an idea of the future" to think so small and yet so big.

Two new panel members took their seats and the students were given the opportunity to share their own outcomes from the workshops. Ideal of course, because that way the students who had organized the workshops received immediate feedback on their workshops.

The audience also had the opportunity to talk to the panel members, organizers and today's moderator during a networking moment. All in all, a day to look back on with great pleasure and energy!

By: Cathelijne de Groot, student-assistent research group Changing Role of Europe

On Monday 3 April, several students gathered in the Speakers' Corner of The Hague University of Applied Sciences to discuss the topic How EU Climate Policies affect the Younger Generation, a meeting at the initiative of European Impact in collaboration with the House of Europe – the Liaison office of the European Parliament and the representatives of the European Commission in The Hague.

Talking about ‘How EU Climate Policies affect the Younger Generation

Rosa: “I teach at European Studies and Public Administration. With Public Administration I do research projects within the research group Changing Role of Europe / European Impact Hub. Here I teach my students more about, among other things, the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. Students also enter into partnerships with government institutions and the business community in order to contribute to a sustainable, just future with their projects.”

She also encourages students to start the conversation. “I am doing a project in the Public Administration program in which I take students to community centers in the Schilderswijk and Moerwijk in The Hague. Here we talk to young people about European climate policy.”

Rosa's commitment to promoting sustainability in higher education makes her a role model for Academica Talks, the platform of Academica University of Applied Sciences. Watch the YouTube video 

where Rosa gives tips and advice on sustainability.

September 5, 2023 was Sustainable Tuesday. On this day, the cabinet receives a suitcase with hundreds of sustainable ideas and initiatives. Lecturer and researcher Rosa Groen is Sustainable Higher Education Teacher of the Year and talks about what she is doing for a greener future.

Sustainable Tuesday

The question of direct EU funding instruments for cities is high on the agenda of European cities and regions. Subnational authorities might have diverging reasons to advocate for such realignments, whether it is over rule of law concerns on the national level, absorption of migrants or facilitating the green transition.

This short report gives a first impression of which avenues cities might want to invest in in terms of putting EU funding under the direct management of the European Commission on the policy-agenda. A follow-up project could
look in more detail at the past and current configurations of funding in the EU budget and at what could be possible in terms of reconfiguring the budget, such that the EU’s funding instruments are better equipped to help cities tackle with their (g)local challenges.

Which channels exist for a local or regional government to access EU funding directly, without the need for interference of the national government? This was the main question our researcher Tibor Hargitai investigated following a case presented by the City of Budapest. The results of the study are now published in a small report.

New Report: Finding the Way to Direct EU Funding for Cities

Rainy days do not stop us from celebrating European cooperation! On the morning of May 9, 2023, we raise the flag at the Hofvijver and at The Hague City Hall with special guests like Alderman Robert van Asten, Mayor Jan van Zanen, Klasja van de Ridder and Danny de Paepe to celebrate Europe Day. Today we reflect on more than 70 years of cooperation between the countries of the European Union and the future of our common values and goals.

Europe Day 2023

Professor of practice Mendeltje van Keulen spoke about it at the

's 'Democracy under Pressure' event. During the event, the audience was asked for ideas on how to close the gap between youth and democracy, creating a lively conversation.

How transparent is the European Union really? And how does the EU affect Dutch legislation?

Democracy under Threat

As lector (professor of practice) of the Changing Role of Europe Lectureship, Mendeltje van Keulen does not teach very often. That's what makes her annual guest lecture "Europe in Practice" at the Leiden Europe Institute so much fun! In a series of lectures, students hear about the work of experts by experience. On April 19, 2023, Mendeltje talked about the "Return to Brussels," or Dutch Europe policy of the many organizations and companies. Europe policy starts internally!

Europe sometimes seems like a faraway show, but in reality it is closer than you think. 

Annual guest lecture "Europe in Practice" at the Leiden Europe Institute 

On Wednesday, they delved deeper into how young people perceive SDG16 and the European Green Deal, as opposed to the perspectives of policymakers and education experts. Governance students used Q-methods (forced distribution) for this research. In addition, Rosa presented at the ethics and values panel! 

The second paper explored mobile EU citizens and how collaborative governance can play a crucial role. Students from European Studies at The Hague University of Applied Sciences conducted interviews in 10 European cities, and Gijs revealed the strategies that led to our Interreg Europe project. Gijs presented at the panel on collaborative governance and social innovation! 

Our researchers, Gijs and Rosa, made a significant impact at the European Group of Public Administration (EGPA) conference in Zagreb! They presented two papers based on student-driven research:

EGPA conference Zagreb

The Hague is currently hosting over 400 NGOs and small businesses around peace, justice and security. A large ecosystem has emerged, and in the past month there have even been developments around three new international organizations: the UNDP is opening a department, the ICPA is emerging around Eurojust to criminally deal with aggression by Russia, and the International Claims Registry is emerging around gathering evidence against Russia.

The Dutch Association for the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal SDG16, Peace, Justice and Strong Public Institutions, therefore suits The Hague. It focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

At the same time, The Hague is also the most segregated city in the Netherlands. Huge disparities take place, huge economic inequalities between different neighborhoods. A study by CBS found that the number of households below the poverty line increased between 2017 and 2019, and since the COVID crisis those disparities have only grown. The risk of educational inequality has also increased dramatically in The Hague. In some parts of the city, this risk is also greater, often depending on how well parents are able to help young children with homework or reading aloud.

These issues kept me busy for the past six years while writing this dissertation on bringing in and housing International Organizations in The Hague and other European cities. And even more so since its completion last November.

Is this Sustainable Development Goal 16 being used enough in the international city of peace and justice, precisely for these groups of people?
The Municipality of The Hague is working tremendously on the issues with Jozias van Aartsen since 2008 and now with Jan van Zanen leading the way. There is now political legitimacy of the international city of peace and justice. But is enough being done for young people in the neighborhoods around this theme?

What do Peace and Justice actually mean? What do these words mean to young people? How do they deal with pressing issues such as the sustainable transition we are in the midst of in the European Union? How do they view increasing violence on the streets?

We have employed students of Business Administration and Public Administration and Public Management at The Hague University of Applied Sciences since 2020, from the Changing Role of Europe / European Impact lectorate under Mendeltje van Keulen, to answer these questions. We developed a questionnaire and tested it with students. 90 interviews were conducted with young people last year, in Moerwijk, the Schildersbuurt and Laak, and statements came out around the following themes:

1. The meaning of peace and justice
2. Family and community
3. Security and public institutions (and relations with the police and youth workers)
4. Education (possible inequities or opportunities in schools); and
5. The significance of the European Green Deal and the European Union for young people.


These statements all respondents to this survey had to prioritize from unimportant to important using the Q methodology. This year, 40 young people were interviewed in Schildersbuurt and Moerwijk, in the community centers Stichting MEION, Sehzad Mehr, Het Talentenhuis and Wijkcentrum Moerwijk. In addition, three groups of students interviewed policy makers from the peace and justice circuit. Wim Jansen, the boss of Directorate of International Affairs, Rob Schuurmans, Ingrid De Beer of Foreign Affairs, even the ambassador of international organizations were interviewed, as well as Karel Willems, lobbyist, and Arthur van Buitenen of the international organization IDLO - International Development Law Organization.


The results of these interviews were presented by the students on June 16, 2023.


The underlying question is: what is the difference between the priorities of young people and those of policy makers and implementers of peace and law organizations? What is the conflict of perception? And how, subsequently, can you bring these groups closer together and establish dialogue about them? How can inequality be countered in schools? How can there be more dialogue with administrators in neighborhoods, by young people? In short, how can SDG16 - Peace Justice and Strong and Inclusive Public Institutions - be made tangible for young people in Schildersbuurt and Moerwijk?


For this we received a grant from NWO (Dutch Research Council) of the National Science Agenda through NSCR and Beate Volker. To be continued!

We probably all know the history of The Hague as an international city of Peace and Justice. It all began with the Hague-born jurist and politician Hugo de Groot, who produced important works that form the basis of our international rules governing the cooperation of independent states, peoples and the preservation of peace. He had begun university studies at age 11. In 1619 he was imprisoned, taken to Castle Loevenstein where he escaped in a chest full of books. 

Much later, in 1899, the First Peace Conference took place in The Hague. During the Second Hague Peace Conference in 1907, the first stone of the Peace Palace was laid. We are all familiar with the Court of Arbitration, located there, and the International Court of Justice. In the 1990s, important tribunals were added, such as the International Criminal Court, and the European organizations Europol and Eurojust.

When I first came to The Hague in 1995, I was 15 and we went to pick up a visa for a trip to India. As an Amsterdam native, I thought it was a boring, gray city. That The Hague was the center of Peace and Law and that eventually more than 35 international organizations would take place in and around The Hague, I had no idea. 

How does your organization become EU-aware and competent?

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