From European defence to the defence of Europe
The newly elected European Parliament will shape the EU’s political direction over the next five years. The political factions within the Parliament are likely to agree on strengthening collective defence capabilities to better secure Europe. This push for enhanced strategic autonomy in defence has been driven by escalating geopolitical tensions globally. In this blog post, […]
The impact of climate change on global security
The impact of climate change on global security Insights from Gen (ret.) Stéphane Abrial Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our times. The issue goes beyond environmental concerns, and has far-reaching effects on livelihoods, health, geopolitical stability and migration. This has prone major nations to fast-track on the search for clean […]
The EU-CELAC Summit – A first step to renew a complicated relation
The EU-CELAC Summit: A first step to renew a complicated relation On 17 and 18 July 2023, the third EU-CELAC summit “Renewing the bi-regional partnership to strengthen peace and sustainable development” took place in Brussels under the Spanish Presidency of the Council and gathered leaders from the EU institutions, the EU member states, and the […]
“Bienvenida!” to the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU
“Bienvenida!” to the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU On 1 July, Spain took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union until the end of the year, for the fifth time in its history. The country takes the lead of the last full Presidency term ahead of the EU elections […]
From cooperation to strategic partnership: new EU-LAC Agenda
From cooperation to strategic partnership A necessary paradigm shift for a successful, renewed relation between the EU and Latin America On 7 June 2023, the European Commission unveiled the long-awaited “New Agenda to strengthen EU’s partnership with Latin America and the Caribbean”, a political blueprint that is expected to frame the relations between the European Union (EU) […]
Industrial policy is back in action
Industrial policy is back in action Is the Netherlands still an attractive location for businesses? Is the investment climate under pressure, as employer organisations claim? Is there enough room for the manufacturing industry, and how should that industry actually look like in 2030 or 2050 when we aim to be climate-neutral? We hear these questions […]
Geopolitical crisis may offer a more sustainable perspective
Geopolitical crisis may offer a more sustainable perspective The war in Ukraine has created a new reality. The war is primarily a human tragedy. “But the geopolitical crisis can also provide a new and more sustainable perspective,” writes Jorick Albers, Account Director European Affairs at Hague. Europe is pushing renewable energy to the maximum in […]
French Presidential Elections: One month on
French Presidential Elections: One month on A lot has happened in French politics since the presidential elections of April: President Emmanuel Macron was re-elected for another five-year term, former labour Minister Elisabeth Borne was appointed Prime minister (only the second woman in French history in this position), and a new government took office. What is […]
Five questions for Jan Peter Balkenende
What will you be doing at Hague? At Hague, I will mainly give strategic advice to our clients about European and geopolitical developments. Transitions towards sustainability will be central to this. My involvement will mainly focus on the EU level. Why are organisations looking for this kind of advice? Important decisions are made in boardrooms, […]
Remain a frontrunner in your sector by taking part in the Trade and Technology Council
Cooperation with the United States in trade and digital matters gives the EU more clout. The so-called Trade and Technology Council (TTC) is of great importance to the EU because it sets the standards in trade and technology for the rest of the century. The harmonization of standards can stimulate trade and innovation and reduce […]