The Hague has traditionally been known as an international city and centre of international law. Since the late 16th century, when the government of the Dutch Republic of the Seven United Provinces was established here, the city has welcomed foreign diplomats. Over the years, the international character of The Hague has grown. When people think of the city today, they readily associate it with the numerous international organisations based here, such as the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, Europol and Eurojust. The OPCW, NGO’s and almost all the foreign embassies and consulates can be found here.
At the request of the municipality of The Hague, for the seventh time since 2005, the research bureau Decisio examined the economic impact of the international non-profit sector based in The Hague and its surrounding region. This sector includes intergovernmental and European organisations, NGOs, embassies and consulates, cultural and knowledge institutions, as well as international schools, expat- and service clubs. As a municipality, therefore, we looked not just at the presence of the embassies and consulates but also considered the entire international community as a whole in The Hague and its environs.
Decisio’s survey revealed that international organisations play a significant role in The Hague’s economy. The organisations included in the research collectively spend nearly €2.7 billion and create almost 20,000 direct jobs. The number of organisations has slightly increased since 2019, now reaching 491 in total. The sector is substantial, with a total added value of €5.6 billion in spending, but no further economic growth was observed in 2022.
The figures in this edition of the survey were somewhat distorted by some notable factors, including the crisis caused by the pandemic and its effect on international organisations in The Hague and the urban economy. However, international organisations in The Hague are expected to remain stable or see some slight growth until 2025.
The impact of the international community on the city of The Hague, however, goes beyond the economy. The presence of this community stimulates the city’s cultural climate, attracting international exhibitions and new talent for the Royal Academy of Art and the Royal Conservatoire.
And on the subject of education: there are 10,000 children attending 20 international schools in the area of Leiden, The Hague and Delft. The Hague is proud of the diversity of its international schools, as this is an important factor in attracting international institutions and businesses to our city and region. More and more children of international parents also attend Dutch schools. A positive development that fosters the integration of the international community in The Hague.
There are 8,000 international students pursuing higher education in The Hague, with 30,000 throughout the province of South Holland, representing a quarter of the total in the Netherlands. With most international students attending The Hague University of Applied Sciences, the University of Leiden and the University of the Arts The Hague – the umbrella organisation of the Royal Academy of Art and the Royal Conservatoire, The Hague. Every year another 2,500 come to the city. Together with the teaching institutions, we have an urban introduction programme to welcome them and enable students from different education organisations to meet each other and get to know the city.
The corps diplomatique is at the heart of The Hague’s international community. The embassies and consulates have enabled The Hague’s international community to thrive over the last few decades. Although the vibrant international allure of our city is not always seen as a positive thing.
For a significant proportion of The Hague’s inhabitants, this is a world far removed from their everyday reality. The importance of the international community to The Hague itself, is not evident to everyone. Not least, because it adds to the pressure on the housing market and house prices, as well as our education institutions. And when a not-too-clear distinction is made between the different groups of temporary and permanent migrants, other metropolitan problems are also partly blamed on the international community.
It calls for us to continue working together to bring the international community closer to The Hague’s ordinary citizens. By making international work accessible to The Hague’s residents, along with initiatives and events that bring people together. That quest for connection could be organised, but could equally well be individual and spontaneous. For example, English is spoken in the hospitality sector. In The Hague this is largely because of the international residents. In other Dutch cities, due to tourists. It is appreciated everywhere when international hospitality industry staff do their best to speak at least some Dutch. In the same way we too, can show our goodwill in many places and be true citizens of The Hague together.
