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Uruguayan Independence Day Celebrated in The Hague

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Uruguayan Independence Day Celebrated in The Hague

The Embassy of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay marked his country’s Independence Day with a grand and festive reception. Held on August 27 at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague, the event drew over 200 distinguished guests from various sectors of Dutch society.

Ambassadors, chiefs of international missions, diplomats, academics, business leaders, and representatives from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with members of the Uruguayan community, all responded to H.E. Ambassador Dr. Álvaro González Otero’s invitation to celebrate ‘Día de la Independencia’—Uruguay’s National Day, commemorating its independence from Brazil in 1825.

H.E. Dr. Álvaro González Otero, Ambassador of Uruguay. National Day 2024 The Hague.

After nearly 200 years of conflict and civil unrest under Spanish and then Brazilian rule, Uruguay has emerged as a country renowned for its welcoming people, stunning landscapes, first-class meat production, and high-quality wine. In recent decades, Uruguayans have enjoyed a stable democracy, a steady improvement in living conditions, and overall well-being.

In a packed room with an animated audience, Ambassador González Otero took the microphone to thank all the attendees for their sincere affection for his people and country. He then proudly expressed:

“Two years have quickly passed since I arrived in this lovely kingdom. Since then, we have started to shift the focus of the Embassy, placing more emphasis on our bilateral relations. The Netherlands and Uruguay have more in common than people might imagine. We share international principles, landscapes, agricultural production, developed services, qualified exports, and a progressive lifestyle.

We also share strong commitments to the well-being of our citizens and visitors, the protection of human rights, environmental sustainability, progressive social policies, and significant efforts towards renewable energy and climate action. Both countries also emphasize education, democratic governance, and active participation in international organizations promoting peace and development. So, we will keep working to boost our bilateral relations.”

Uruguay National Day, August 27 at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in The Hague.
From the Embassy of Uruguay, Counsellor Pablo Bayarres, Ambassador Gonzalez Otero and Hans Akerboom, Deputy Director Protocol and Host Country Affairs from the Netherlands.

Ambassador González Otero then listed some of the most relevant initiatives undertaken by the Embassy over the last few months:

– Uruguayan participation in the World Hydrogen Summit 2024: Led by the Minister of Industry, Energy, and Mining, Ms. Elisa Facio, with over 50 representatives from various sectors of the public and private sectors.

– Active participation in the “26th World Energy Congress.”

– Cooperation Project with Delft Institute for Water Education: Since 2011, Uruguayan professionals specializing in water resources have participated in the Delft Institute program for advanced training. Initially, the program began with 40 scholarships, resulting in 37 professionals successfully completing their studies. This early success led to the program’s relocation and implementation at the Technological University of Uruguay, now featuring regional participation. The program has since had two new editions in 2022 and 2024, expanding to include 17 professionals from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, and Peru. This development has transformed Uruguay into a regional hub in the field of water resource education.

– Uruguay’s status as one of the 32 signing states of the Ljubljana – The Hague Convention in February 2024.

– Positioning Uruguay as a potential living and working destination for Dutch farmers.

– Interactions with RVO and Port of Rotterdam related to port cooperation.

– Exploring and initiating new cooperation projects with Westland Municipality and Wageningen University.

– Meetings with private sector actors related to agribusiness.

– Preparation for the Capitan Miranda’s visit to Amsterdam: Uruguay’s school tall ship has already confirmed its participation in Sail Amsterdam 2025.

– Multilateral achievements: The Embassy has made progress in multilateral areas, including ongoing contributions and work with international organizations based in The Hague: the ICJ, ICC, OPCW, HCCH, and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. Additionally, a closer relationship with The Hague Academy of International Law has been pursued. Significant advances have also been made through the coordinated work of the GRULAC Group in relation to various international organizations.

H.E. Mr. Fernando Arias, OPCW Director General , Ambassador Gonzalez Otero and Mr Arias spouse, Patricia van Oordt.

Following his remarks, Ambassador González Otero invited the audience to watch a short video about Uruguay, which made a great impression on those present. He expressed, “Uruguay is an exceptional country that has developed a dynamic and robust culture, shaped by a fascinating blend of gaucho traditions, European influences, and the unique Rioplatense spirit. Tango, folklore, candombe, and milonga are examples of its rich artistic musical expression. Uruguayan gastronomy, featuring high-quality meat, wine, and dairy products, especially the beloved ‘dulce de leche,’ delights palates and consistently wins prestigious awards worldwide.”

“The work we have done does not mean we are satisfied; we want to continue advancing in a deeper process. The bilateral relationship is already strong, but the potential to strengthen bonds in several key areas is even greater.”

The Ambassador of Uruguay, H.E. Alvaro Gonzalez Otero and the President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, Judge Graciela Gatti Santana with her husband Mr Gustavo Segovia.

The event was conceived to showcase the rich and diverse culture of Uruguay, a nation with a population of approximately 3,495,527 as of 2022.

The national anthems of Uruguay and the Netherlands were performed by the Uruguayan opera singer Sara de los Campos. After the ambassador’s speech, the Embassy paid tribute to two influential musicians: José “El Sabalero” Carbajal and Jaime Roos, who both lived in the Netherlands. Jaime Roos settled in Amsterdam in 1978, where he played bass in several salsa, rock, and jazz groups. He had a son and remained in the Netherlands until 1984 when he returned to Uruguay.

Carbajal spent his days in the Netherlands with his wife, Anke van Haastrecht, and their two children. Anke was invited to share some special stories from their life together.

Uruguayan opera singer Sara de los Campos.
Uruguayan drummers Luis Gradin, Marcelo Terra, and Nicolás Sánchez.

The enthusiastic audience enjoyed an authentic performance by talented Uruguayan drummers Luis Gradin, Marcelo Terra, and Nicolás Sánchez. The celebration continued with Uruguayan wine, classic savory empanadas, and dulce de leche, which delighted the crowded room and completed the great celebration.

Ambassador González Otero concluded the event by thanking his Embassy team: Counselor Pablo Bayarres, Chancellor Gustavo Morales, his assistant Juan Diego, and Martha Hernández and Sofía Anastasiou. He then led a warm toast for the people of the Netherlands, Uruguay, and the necessary and desired peace in the world.

China: A New Actor in the Contemporary Multipolar World

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China: A New Actor in the Contemporary Multipolar World

By Mariarosaria Iorio, Political Analyst

I. The post-cold war world  

International relations are nowadays characterised by major changes that started at the end of the 80s with the fall of the Berlin Wall.  Indeed, the end of the cold war was marked by the dislocation of the two main political blocks, namely the Soviet Union and the Western World. Such a dislocation resulted in the marginalization of the post-war multilateral system embodied in the United Nations, and the standstill of the multilateral trade negotiations in the late 90s in the context of the World Trade Organisation.  New lines of political thought have been facing each other since then, while reshaping the post-cold war world in a number of fragmented and variable sub-blocks of countries. 

The United States decided to put itself first by concentrating on its internal affairs, while withdrawing from international affairs.  

Europe, the old continent, looks for an efficient strategy towards autonomy from the United States.  Europe also tries, not without difficulty, to create a more cohesive internal and external political approach.  The reality is however evolving rather more towards fragmentation of Europe in favour of European National fragmented interests. Such a fragmentation is the natural consequence of the decadence of the European Institutional and collective actions to the advantage of individual Sates actions and interests.   In sum, what seemed to be a structured and coherent European Union block fighting for the promotion of its economic and political values all over the world has somehow become an alliance at variable geometry both internally and externally.  The disorganisation of the leadership results in a chaotic and unpredictable European External and Internal action. 

Thereof, the empty influence spaces left on the international relations scene has given new international actors the opportunity to emerge.  

Meanwhile, the fragmentation of the European Institutions has also impacted the EU-USA relations within NATO, and affected the security and peace sphere.  Security issues have been on and off on the European agenda.    

In this context, Russia that has lost its empire in the 80s looks now for a new power game. In spite of the disruption of the Soviet Union, Russia attempts either by influence or by force to exercise power in its ancient affiliate countries.  Russia that was supposed to be defeated with the fall of the Berlin Wall takes back its role of opponent to the Western World on the international scene at least as it concerns the international affairs philosophy.  Thus, creating a tension aimed at restoring its power in the world.   

The group of emerging and developing economies that constitute a new variable block with a large portion of population employed in agriculture have emerged as new actors in the world’s geo-political discourses.  At the head of this block on the international scene, there is China.  The shaky international leadership context has indeed given China a new space. China’s   communist past combined with its market-based economic strategy gives it a particular position.  

China is The One that can communicate to Russia. China is also The One that can have an influence on the Western economic and political scene as China owns a big part of Western Foreign Debt  

China embeds a horizontal strategy in both its trade and development policies, while producing at low wages.  Its production system coupled with its pragmatic political approach has reshaped the international power structure.  The top-down approach of the Western World faces now the competition created by the horizontal win-win approach proposed by China in both developing and industrialized countries.

Indeed, as a result of the decline of the Western World global hegemony based on market access and economic and social liberalism as a means to ensure economic growth and promote economic development, the vision promoted by China’s discourse, centred on the protection of livelihoods and local sovereign choices finds new adepts.  Furthermore, China has successfully attempted to promote a trade-off approach to international cooperation during the last 20 years.  A cooperation that does not interfere in internal affairs of partner countries as it has often reproached to the Western countries involved in international cooperation.  

As the developing countries leader, China positions itself as the spoke country for the poor.  As a new world powerful economic actor China plays as the guarantor of the Western Economic stability.  China positions itself as the bridge between the rich and the poor.  It is representing a different hegemonic game that only changes in its discourse, while still pursuing its own interests and influence zones.  Such a situation poses the question of the values that the international regime wants to embrace.  Indeed, this changing world results in an increased number of conflicts – be new or historical conflicts.  

The dislocation of the traditional leaders of the international relations has definitely created a chaotic and unpredictable scenario.  Chaos has in some cases been chosen as a political strategy to disrupt the post-1945 international regime. Such a disruption has benefitted new actors, and given space to new lines of thought.  These new lines of thought have attacked the existing international framework but has not yet succeeded in creating a new regime.  The increasing unbalance of power and the lack of leadership on the international political scene is risky. 

The reduction by choice of leadership of the United States has indeed resulted in the weakening of the values emerged as a result of the dramatic experience of Second World War, namely freedom of thought and freedom of speech to mention only a few.   We are now facing a much more authoritarian world with force used as a means to manage the political arena.  Dialogue seems to be a rather consuming exercise that has left its place to the use of force.  Force is no longer seen as the last option but rather the opening act for political dialogue.  Nationalism and individual interests are now at the centre of the political game. This trend is taking the world to instability and conflict.  

The peoples of the world are more and more questioning the existing system. People’s needs and expectations are not met.  The new emerged actors, such as China have given the hope of a possible change in the present international system without fundamentally questioning its rationale but rather trying to rip a slate of the cake.  

The struggle for influence among countries has not succeeded in building a peaceful and stable world. Citizens will have to face the challenge of building a new era of peace and stability worldwide.

Derrière les murs du Palais de la Paix : permanence et changements de la Cour internationale de Justice

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Derrière les murs du Palais de la Paix : permanence et changements de la Cour internationale de Justice

S.E. M. Philippe Couvreur est arrivé à La Haye en avril 1982, où il a d’abord occupé le poste d’assistant spécial aux bureaux du greffier et du greffier adjoint de la Cour internationale de Justice.

Il a ensuite exercé les fonctions de Secrétaire, Premier Secrétaire et Secrétaire juridique principal, avant d’être élu Greffier de la Cour en 2000, et réélu en 2007 et 2014. Pour marquer l’anniversaire de ses débuts à la Cour, il y a 35 ans, Diplomat Magazine l’a invité à témoigner de son expérience unique au service de cette institution, des évolutions qu’il a pu y observer, et à partager le regard qu’il porte sur les changements qui ont marqué la Cour et La Haye au cours des trois dernières décennies.
Philippe Couvreur avec le Pape Jean-Paul II prise le 13 mai 1985.
Je suis arrivé à La Haye en avril 1982 — de façon aussi inattendue que j’avais entamé des études de droit treize ans auparavant (mais c’est là une autre histoire…) — pour occuper un poste temporaire à la Cour internationale de Justice. La Cour était alors la seule institution judiciaire internationale existante au plan universel. Son activité, particulièrement faible à la fin des années 1970, ne pouvait en ce temps-là guère laisser présager du succès que rencontrerait la Cour dans les décennies à venir. Mon bienveillant maître de Louvain, le professeur Paul de Visscher, fils du célèbre internationaliste Charles de Visscher, unique juge belge à la Cour, m’avait prédit des jours aussi sereins qu’heureux, écoulés à lire et à écrire des ouvrages dans la solitude des imposants murs de la bibliothèque du Palais de la Paix…
Les mémoires ont été dûment déposés dans l’affaire El Salvador c. Honduras dans la salle Bol le 1 juin 1988, l’affaire du Différend frontalier terrestre, insulaire et maritime.
En rejoignant la Cour, un frais matin d’avril, dont je garde un souvenir très précis, le jeune juriste que j’étais découvrit, non sans étonnement, une organisation de taille très modeste, le Greffe, qui en est l’organe administratif, alors composé de moins d’une quarantaine de fonctionnaires. Le fonctionnement de la Cour reposait entièrement sur cette équipe restreinte de personnel permanent, auquel s’ajoutait, selon que de besoin, un personnel temporaire pour faire face au surcroît de travaux linguistiques et de sténodactylographie lors des sessions (publiques et privées) de la Cour. Je me rappelle avoir été frappé par la personnalité haute en couleur de certains de ces traducteurs indépendants, dont la grande culture littéraire m’émerveillait. Cette structure très économique du Greffe impliquait une grande polyvalence de ses membres, et les Secrétaires de la Cour — ses fonctionnaires supérieurs — étaient appelés, en sus de leurs travaux de recherches juridiques, de préparation des documents de la Cour, et de rédaction de la correspondance diplomatique, à assumer eux-mêmes l’essentiel des tâches linguistiques (traduction et interprétation) et d’information, ainsi que la supervision de nombreuses activités administratives et logistiques.
La Grande salle de Justice, l’affaire Relative au Timor Oriental (Portugal c. Australie) Arrêt du 30 juin 1995.
Il n’était nullement rare qu’un nouveau venu comme moi ait à passer week-ends et nuits blanches au Palais de la Paix à effectuer les travaux les plus divers… allant jusqu’à imprimer et polycopier, sur de vieilles machines à stencils ronéotype, des décisions dont la Cour devait donner la lecture en séance publique le lendemain ! Dès mon arrivée au Greffe, j’ai eu le bonheur et le privilège d’être initié et associé à l’ensemble des fonctions de l’institution sous la patiente supervision de personnalités d’exception, tels que MM. Torres Bernárdez et Pillepich, alors respectivement Greffier et Greffier adjoint. J’en ai retiré le plus grand bénéfice, puisque cette immersion sans préparation dans toutes les facettes de l’activité du Greffe m’a permis d’acquérir de ce dernier une connaissance unique — de l’intérieur — et sous tous ses aspects —, un acquis particulièrement précieux au moment où j’ai été amené, bien des années plus tard, à assumer la délicate responsabilité d’en assurer la gestion au plus haut niveau. Devenir un fonctionnaire du Greffe au début des années 1980 signifiait accepter de se couler sans discussion dans un moule à tous égards exigeant, et se donner corps et âme, avec humilité et discrétion, à l’institution, sans penser à soi ni parler de soi. Depuis ces années d’initiation, j’ai été le témoin de profondes transformations de la Cour, rendues inévitables à la fois pour répondre à l’accroissement considérable de ses activités, avec la disparition du monde bipolaire qui avait relégué le règlement judiciaire à un rôle quelque peu marginal, et pour saisir les opportunités nouvelles offertes, notamment, par le progrès des technologies et de la communication. Entre 1982 et aujourd’hui, le nombre de fonctionnaires a ainsi presque triplé (il a quasiment doublé depuis l’an 2000, année de ma première élection en tant que Greffier). L’organisation du travail a été progressivement spécialisée entre les divers départements, juridique, linguistique et chargé de l’information, qui furent créés en 1997, et les services techniques. Par ailleurs, les Membres de la Cour ne disposèrent pas, pendant longtemps, de « référendaires » — ils s’y sont d’ailleurs longtemps refusés—, et l’assistance apportée aux juges en matière judiciaire était principalement répartie entre les fonctionnaires du Département des affaires juridiques.
H.E. Philippe Couvreur avec la Reine Beatrix photo prise pendant le 50 eme anniversaire de la Cour (18-04-1996).
Les cinq premiers postes de juristes référendaires ne furent obtenus de l’Assemblée générale et créés qu’en 2002, à l’issue de difficiles négociations que je me souviens avoir menées avec beaucoup de plaisir et d’intérêt ; le nombre de ces postes s’est progressivement accru, pour s’élever à quinze aujourd’hui. Les divers développements qui ont marqué le monde au cours des dernières décennies n’ont pas manqué de soulever pour la Cour de nouveaux défis. Comme c’est le cas pour toute institution, elle n’a pu les relever en faisant table rase des enseignements de son histoire ni, à l’inverse, en ne saisissant pas toutes les opportunités offertes par le temps présent. A ces différents égards, la Cour est certainement parvenue, au fil des ans, à assurer un équilibre, toujours délicat, entre changements et continuité. La continuité de la Cour est bien sûr inscrite dans son Statut, qui fait partie intégrante de la Charte des Nations Unies, et reflétée dans ses méthodes judiciaires, qui ont été très largement élaborées par sa devancière, la Cour permanente de Justice internationale, et héritées d’elle. Cette continuité historique était particulièrement présente lorsque j’ai rejoint le Greffe. Ainsi, en manière d’anecdote, divers hauts fonctionnaires alors en poste avaient eux-mêmes côtoyé, au début de leur carrière, d’anciens fonctionnaires de la Cour permanente. Tous nourrissaient à l’égard de cette dernière le plus grand respect. Il régnait d’ailleurs dans les couloirs du Palais de la Paix une atmosphère feutrée et délicieusement surannée, évocatrice de la défunte Société des Nations. Je me souviens en avoir encore utilisé maintes fournitures de bureau ! La continuité jurisprudentielle et procédurale entre les deux Cours constitue pour les Etats une garantie importante de sécurité et de prévisibilité juridiques. Cette continuité, juridique et historique, de même que l’expérience accumulée en plus de quatre-vingt-dix ans d’exercice de la fonction judiciaire, sont pour la Cour un facteur crucial de légitimité.
H.E. Philippe Couvreur vec le Roi Willem-Alexander photo prise pendant le 70 eme anniversaire de la Cour (20-04-2016).
En même temps, la Cour a eu, à l’évidence, à s’adapter aux changements du monde réel dans lequel elle opère, comme aux nécessités et opportunités nouvelles de chaque époque traversée. L’une des transformations notoires auxquelles j’ai assisté fut l’ouverture croissante de la Cour sur l’extérieur : longtemps à l’écart, à dessein, des organes politiques des Nations Unies, la Cour a souhaité se faire plus et mieux entendre de ces organes et des Etats membres. Elle a ainsi rompu avec ce qui était parfois perçu comme un « splendide isolement » au sein des Nations Unies, même si elle défend toujours jalousement son autonomie. La Cour doit en outre désormais également tenir compte des nombreuses autres juridictions, internationales ou régionales, qui ont été créées ces dernières années, et veiller, autant que possible, à assurer l’harmonie du « concert judiciaire » que permet ce foisonnement de cours et tribunaux sur la scène internationale. Davantage ouverte sur la communauté internationale et ses réalités, la Cour s’est montrée de plus en plus attentive, non seulement à sa place dans l’Organisation des Nations Unies, mais aussi à la poursuite des objectifs de celle-ci et à sa mission propre au service du règlement pacifique des différends internationaux. Des différends de plus en plus complexes, tant juridiquement que factuellement, en même temps que politiquement plus denses, lui ont été soumis. En révisant constamment, selon que de besoin, ses méthodes de travail, elle a su les résoudre rapidement et efficacement, à un coût particulièrement modeste pour la communauté internationale, tout en assurant le développement du droit. Enfin, pour conclure sur une note plus prosaïque, mais qui est loin d’être négligeable, je ne peux taire la chance que j’ai eue de connaître l’extraordinaire développement de la ville de La Haye au cours des 35 dernières années. Celle-ci offre aujourd’hui à la Cour, comme aux nombreuses institutions internationales qui s’y sont installées à sa suite, une qualité de vie et un cadre de travail uniques, qui sont très loin de ressembler à ce que j’ai trouvé en y arrivant. A l’image de l’imposante stature du Palais de la Paix où elle siège, symbole mondialement connu de la justice internationale, la Cour est une institution solidement établie. En dépit des périodes de doute ou de désaffection qu’elle a traversées par le passé, son rôle est unanimement salué au sein de la communauté internationale et le recours à ses services par les Etats n’a jamais été aussi soutenu. 35 ans après, je continue de mesurer chaque jour le privilège qui est le mien de servir au mieux de mes capacités l’organe judiciaire principal des Nations Unies. —– Les photos dans l’article sont une courtoisie de la Cour International de Justice.

Kosovo Business Day 2026 Shining in The Hague

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Kosovo Business Day 2026 Shining in The Hague

Kosovo is soaring Ahead !

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Hague, 14 April 2026. The Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in the Netherlands, in conjunction with Business Match Kosovo, successfully hosted the Kosovo Business Day 2026. Kosovo is firmly establishing itself as a dynamic near-shoring destination, supported by one of Europe’s youngest and most tech-savvy workforces.

The Business Day forum provided a critical platform for Dutch businesses eager to expand their operations. Attendees engaged in high-level matchmaking, practical workshops on the NL-KS Tax Treaty, and gained invaluable insights into investment subsidies and risk-mitigation tools essential for international ventures. Over 100 ambitious Kosovar and Dutch entrepreneurs, investors, and representatives from both nations’ institutions gathered to explore tangible trade and partnership opportunities.

Additionally, the event also attracted members of the diplomatic community and small to medium-sized enterprises actively operating in Kosovo and the Netherlands.

Mr. Shpend Lila of the Innovation Centre Kosovo, H.E. Dr. Karin Boven, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Kosovo, Mimoza Kusari-Lila, the Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship, Trade, and Innovation of the Republic of Kosovo and H.E. Dr. Dren Doli, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to the Netherlands.

The forum opened with impactful remarks from Ms. Mimoza Kusari-Lila, the Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship, Trade, and Innovation of the Republic of Kosovo. This was followed by an insightful discussion moderated by Mr. Shpend Lila of the Innovation Centre Kosovo, featuring both ambassadors: H.E. Dr. Dren Doli, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to the Netherlands, and H.E. Dr. Karin Boven, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Kosovo. Her powerful address set a clear tone for a day focused on enhancing economic cooperation and building sustainable partnerships between Kosovo and the Netherlands.

The keynote session, “How to Invest and Do Business in Kosovo,” was delivered by Mr. Kreshnik Thaqi, representing the Kosovo Investment and Enterprise Support Agency. He presented a compelling overview of the country’s investment landscape, highlighting strategic sectors such as public procurement, major infrastructure projects, railway modernization, and renewable energy, while outlining concrete pathways for international investors to seize opportunities in Kosovo.

The business forum confidently advanced to the core of its agenda, featuring three essential panel discussions that tackled key sectors of mutual interest.

Mr. Mark Verheul, Director of the Global Alliance of Horticulture Regions Establishment.

Panel I made an strong statement about Agriculture, Retail, and Recycling. Keynote presentations were delivered by Ms. Kalina Vrieze, Business Developer for Türkiye, Southeast Europe, and Central Asia at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), and Mr. Mark Verheul, Director of the Global Alliance of Horticulture Regions Establishment. Additionally, impactful talks were presented by Mr. Valon Bahtiri, CEO and Founder of Mitrofresh B.V., and Mr. Theo Schilder, Director of Business Development at KIVO Plastic Verpakkingen.

Subsequent to the lunch, Panel II took centre stage, focusing on ICT, Tech-Digital Talent, and the dynamic outsourcing opportunities within Kosovo’s rapidly growing tech sector. The session highlighted the critical importance of cybersecurity in the modern economy. The panel kicked off with a compelling keynote by Mr. Martijn van Helvert, Chairman of MKB Limburg and Owner of Meines Holla & Partners. Following this, influential insights were provided by Mr. Jelle Hoes, CCO of Buckaroo; Ms. Hana Qerimi, CEO of Starlabs & Digital School; Mr. Shpend Lila, Training, Events & PR Manager at the Innovation Centre Kosovo; Mr. Robert Shala, Board Member at Sentry Cyber Security; and Mr. Lennart Koetsier, CEO of Multiply and Datafuse.

In a significant development, an endorsement ceremony was conducted where various stakeholders signed a Memorandum of Understanding, firmly establishing the Kosovo-Netherlands Chamber of Commerce. This landmark decision paves the way for deeper and more fruitful business cooperation.

The forum concluded powerfully with Panel III, moderated by Mr. Artan Djemajli, which addressed the Prefabricated and Construction Industry in Kosovo. This impactful panel included Mr. Diedon Kica, Chief Commercial Officer of Instabuilt; Ms. Sytrime Dervisholli, Executive Director of Kllasteri Prefab Kosova; and Mr. Erlind Gashi, an architect at EUROING Kosovo. The discussions emphasized critical themes of innovation, sustainability, and significant opportunities for international collaboration within the construction sector.

The Kosovo Business Day provided crucial networking opportunities and facilitated productive B2B engagements, reinforcing existing connections and paving the way for new partnerships. It articulated a clear and assertive message: cooperation between Kosovo and the Netherlands has transcended potential and has emerged as a dynamic and tangible reality.

Through strategic dialogue and purposeful networking, Kosovo Business Day 2026 has fortified business relationships, showcased impressive investment opportunities, and demonstrated Kosovo’s position as a competitive and progressive market.

Contributions from all speakers, panelists, partners, and participants were instrumental to the success of this event. Their expertise, engagement, and positive energy were vital in fostering meaningful dialogue and solidifying lasting connections between Kosovo and the Netherlands.

Kosovo is soaring ahead with incredible momentum!

Hospitality at the Heart of Diplomacy: A Personal Reflection on The Hague’s International Future

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Hospitality at the Heart of Diplomacy: A Personal Reflection on The Hague’s International Future

By Thomas Kortleve

The Hague has long stood at the crossroads of diplomacy, international law, and global cooperation. As Chairman of the Hague Hotel Consultation (Haags Hoteloverleg), I have had the privilege of experiencing first-hand how deeply our hospitality sector is intertwined with this international ecosystem. It is a role I have come to value not only professionally, but personally.

Over the years, I have genuinely enjoyed building relationships with the many embassies based in our city. What began as practical cooperation has grown into something far more meaningful. There is a shared understanding that hospitality in The Hague is not just about offering rooms, but about facilitating dialogue, trust, and connection. Working closely with embassy teams—often under time pressure and with high expectations—has shown me the strength of collaboration when mutual respect and clarity are in place.

Hotels in The Hague have become reliable partners to the diplomatic community. We provide spaces for meetings, quiet negotiations, and moments of informal exchange that often prove just as valuable as formal discussions. These interactions have reinforced my belief that our sector plays a subtle yet essential role in supporting the city’s diplomatic mission.

This role was never more visible than during the NATO Summit in 2026. For me, it was not only a professional milestone, but also a moment of pride. Welcoming heads of state, ministers, and international delegations required an extraordinary level of coordination. What stood out most was the spirit of collaboration—between hotels, embassies, government institutions, and security services. The success of the summit confirmed that The Hague can operate at the very highest international level, and that our hospitality sector is ready to meet that responsibility.

At the same time, experiences like these also highlight the work that still lies ahead. The Dutch hospitality sector, and particularly that of The Hague, is facing increasing pressure. Rising costs, labour shortages, and regulatory complexity such as the increase on vat on overnight stays from 9% to 21%, continue to challenge our ability to remain competitive. Meanwhile, other European cities are moving quickly, investing heavily in infrastructure and positioning themselves effectively in the international market.

For The Hague, the challenge is also one of focus. We are globally recognized as the city of peace and justice, yet we have not fully translated that identity into a strong and consistent position as a leading conference and business destination. Our facilities are excellent, but not yet sufficient in scale or integration to capture the full potential of the international market.

This is why the coming years will be decisive. With new policymakers shaping the future of our city, we have a clear opportunity to make strategic choices that will define our long-term success. One of my key wishes is the development of a stronger and more coherent international zone. Such an environment would not only benefit embassies and international organizations, but also create a more attractive ecosystem for global companies.

Equally important is the expansion of our conference capacity. The World Forum remains an iconic venue with enormous potential. By investing in its growth and better connecting it with surrounding hotels and infrastructure, we can position The Hague once again as a leading European congress city. This is not simply about prestige—it is about creating sustainable economic value and ensuring that we remain relevant in an increasingly competitive landscape.

At the same time, we must strengthen our efforts beyond the city itself. Our lobbying—both nationally and internationally—needs to become more focused and effective. If we want to attract corporates, international organizations, and (b)leisure visits, we must tell a clearer and more compelling story about what The Hague and Scheveningen have to offer. This requires alignment between public and private stakeholders, and a willingness to invest in long-term positioning.

Ultimately, a strong hospitality sector is inseparable from a strong economy. When we succeed in attracting international visitors and events, the benefits extend far beyond our hotels. They support local businesses, cultural institutions, and the broader urban economy.

Looking ahead, I remain optimistic. The relationships we have built with embassies, the experience gained during events such as the NATO Summit, and the commitment within our sector provide a solid foundation. What we need now is ambition and direction.

By strengthening our international zone, expanding our conference infrastructure, and sharpening our global positioning, The Hague can continue to grow—not only as a centre of diplomacy, but as a vibrant, competitive, and internationally connected city.

A Diplomatic Journey Concluded: Ambassador Salima Abdelhak Reflects on Her Mission

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A Diplomatic Journey Concluded: Ambassador Salima Abdelhak Reflects on Her Mission

Farewell Interview with H.E. Ambassador Salima Abdelhak, Ambassador of Algeria to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Permanent Representative to the International Organizations based in The Hague

As Ambassador Salima Abdelhak concludes her mandate in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, she looks back on a rich diplomatic journey marked by strengthened bilateral relations, active multilateral engagement, and sustained efforts to consolidate Algeria’s standing as a credible, trusted, and forward-looking partner. In this farewell conversation, she reflects on the highlights of her tenure, the partnerships built, and the lasting ties she will carry forward.

Ambassador Abdelhak

Diplomat Magazine: Excellency, as you conclude your tenure in the Netherlands, could you share the personal and professional reflections that mark this moment?

Ambassador Salima Abdelhak: I leave The Netherlands with a profound sense of gratitude and fulfilment. It is never easy to conclude such an intense and meaningful chapter of one’s professional and personal life.

Entrusted with the confidence of the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, I have over these years had the privilege not only to represent Algeria in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, but also to engage closely with the eminent international organizations based in this unique city of peace and justice.

DM: When you first assumed your post, what were the key priorities you set for strengthening Algeria–Netherlands relations? In your view, which strategic objective has been at the heart of your diplomatic engagement? 

Ambassador Salima Abdelhak: Beyond the traditional responsibilities of diplomacy, my objective was not merely to preserve the excellent relations existing between Algeria and the Netherlands within their formal diplomatic framework, but to elevate them into a more concrete, dynamic, and confidence-based partnership.

This required making Algeria better known, better understood, and more visible in the Netherlands.

Too often, bilateral relations can remain below their true potential simply because partners do not fully perceive the opportunities that exist. I therefore considered it essential not only to promote Algeria’s assets, but also to build trust — trust in Algeria as a stable interlocutor, trust in its economic potential, trust in its reform trajectory, and trust in its willingness to engage in pragmatic and mutually beneficial cooperation.

This required sustained dialogue, patient explanation, and regular interaction with Dutch institutions, business circles, and sectoral partners. My ambition was to help move the relationship from general goodwill to concrete confidence.

H.E. Ms. Sahar Ghanem, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Yemen and the Ambassador of Algeria, H.E. Ms. Salima Abdelhak.

DM: Could you elaborate on how these priorities were implemented on a practical level?

Ambassador Salima Abdelhak: I worked actively to create structured encounters between Algerian and Dutch stakeholders so that cooperation could rest on direct knowledge rather than assumptions.

In this regard, I could facilitate strategic economic missions in both directions, notably with the Netherlands-African Business Council and the Netherlands MENA Business Council. We encouraged sectoral cooperation in agriculture, investment, tourism, renewable energy, water management, education, governance, and archives.

But more importantly, each of these initiatives served a broader diplomatic purpose, to present Algeria as a serious, reliable, and opportunity-rich partner with whom long-term cooperation makes sense.

I believe that, progressively, we succeeded in creating a climate of greater familiarity and confidence, which is the indispensable foundation for sustainable partnerships.

H.E. Mr. Vusi Madonsela, Ambassador of South Africa, Coordinator of the African Group.

DM: To what extent did your work aim to reshape or deepen the understanding of Algeria in the Netherlands—whether in diplomatic, economic, or cultural terms?

Ambassador Salima Abdelhak: Very much so. Advocacy in diplomacy is not merely about presenting one’s country in positive terms; it is about ensuring that interlocutors gain a nuanced and realistic understanding of its transformations, ambitions, and capacities.

I devoted considerable effort to ensuring that Dutch partners saw Algeria not only through traditional lenses, but as a country engaged in modernization, regional responsibility, economic diversification, and international cooperation.

Creating this trust-based narrative was, in my view, one of the most important aspects of my mission. Once confidence is established, cooperation follows much more naturally.

DM: Cultural diplomacy also seems to have been an important dimension of your work.

Ambassador Salima Abdelhak: Absolutely. Cultural diplomacy is one of the most effective ways to humanize bilateral relations. Through festivals, artistic initiatives, fashion projects, and public diplomacy events across the Netherlands, we sought to bring Algeria closer to Dutch society and to create familiarity beyond official circles.

This softer dimension of diplomacy is crucial because it nourishes sympathy, curiosity, and openness, all of which reinforce institutional trust.

Ambassador Abdelhak and Dr Mayelinne De Lara, Diplomat Magazine’s Publisher.

DM: The Hague is also a major multilateral capital. How has this shaped your mission?

Ambassador Salima Abdelhak: The multilateral dimension has been one of the most intellectually stimulating aspects of this posting. The Hague hosts some of the most influential legal, judicial, and security institutions in the world, and Algeria has always attached great importance to principled engagement with them.

Throughout my mandate, I sought to reflect Algeria’s steadfast commitment to peace, dialogue, international law, and effective multilateralism. I worked closely with the various organizations based in The Hague on issues relating to security, notably within the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, where Algeria remains an active partner contributing to international peace and security and to the universal goal of a world free of chemical weapons, a commitment that earned recognition through the distinction awarded to one of its laboratories by OPCW and the City of the Hague. I’ve also worked on sustainable development matters within the Comon Fund for commodities based in Amsterdam.

I was also proud to highlight Algeria’s active support for international legality through its participation in different legal and advisory proceedings, notably those touching upon matters of major international concern, including the state of Palestine. This engagement reflects Algeria’s conviction that multilateral institutions remain indispensable in an increasingly complex international environment.  I also engaged on matters of justice and legal cooperation with the International Court of Justice and the HCCH – The Hague Conference on Private International Law and the Permanent Court of Arbitration (CPA).

DM: Finally, what message would you like to leave to your colleagues, partners, and the wider diplomatic community in The Hague?

Ambassador Salima Abdelhak: My first message is one of sincere gratitude for the valuable lesson of how to turn challenges into opportunities.

I am deeply thankful to the Dutch authorities, institutions, businesses, cultural actors, and friends who placed their confidence in dialogue with Algeria and who engaged openly with us and for the lessons drawn how to turn challenges into opportunities.

I am equally grateful to the leadership of the international organizations and colleagues of the diplomatic corps for the constructive spirit, collegiality, and friendship that have accompanied this mission.

H.E. Mr. Fernando Arias, Director General OPCW and H.E. Mr. Philippe Gauthier, Registrar of the International Court of Justice.

I also wish to express a special word of appreciation to Diplomat Magazine, which has accompanied me since the very beginning of my mandate with remarkable professionalism, constant interest, and generous visibility. Through its quality reporting and sustained engagement with the diplomatic community, the magazine has served as a valuable platform for dialogue, outreach, and mutual understanding. I am sincerely grateful for this faithful companionship throughout my years in The Hague.

I leave convinced that we have not merely organized activities or meetings; we have contributed to strengthening an atmosphere of trust and to anchoring Algeria more firmly as a credible and reliable partner in this country.

This is perhaps the most meaningful legacy a diplomatic mission can hope to leave behind.

DM: One final word, Excellency?

Ambassador Salima Abdelhak: Diplomatic mandates come to an end, but trust, once built sincerely, continues to bear fruit.

As I return to Algeria, I do so with pride in the bridges I have consolidated, with gratitude for the friendships forged, and with the firm intention of continuing to advocate for deeper cooperation between Algeria, the Netherlands, and the international institutions based in The Hague.

My Gratitude goes to the many Excellencies, colleagues, partners, and friends with whom I have shared this journey. Whether we worked together for several years or crossed paths only recently, each encounter has contributed to making this mission deeply enriching. Diplomacy is built not only on institutions and negotiations, but also on trust, continuity, and human connection.

Photographs taken on the occasion of the Ambassador’s farewell audience with King Willem-Alexander and during Ambassador Abdelhak farewell at the Algerian residence.

Montenegro Minister of JusticeBojan Božović Visits The Hague

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Montenegro Minister of JusticeBojan Božović Visits The Hague

By Roy Lie Atjam

Montenegro’s Minister of Justice, H.E. Bojan Božović, paid an assertive visit to The Hague from 21 to 23 April 2026, reaffirming Montenegro’s clear and steady trajectory toward EU membership. Discussions centred on judicial reform, highlighting concrete results already achieved and continued progress in the rule of law chapters, which remain key pillars in the accession process.

Montenegro’s Minister of Justice, H.E. Bojan Božović with Judge Tomoko Akane.

During his visit, Minister Božović held a bilateral meeting with David van Weel, Minister of Justice of the Netherlands, reaffirming the strong and constructive partnership between the two countries. He also met with Judge Tomoko Akane, President of the International Criminal Court, underscoring Montenegro’s firm and principled commitment to international justice and accountability.

Philippe Gautier, Registrar of the International Court of Justice and H.E. Bojan Božović, Minister of Justice of the Republic of Montenegro.

Further high level engagements included meetings with Michael Schmid, President of Eurojust; Nazhat Khan, Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court; Kevin Hughes, Deputy Prosecutor of the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals, Philippe Gautier, Registrar of the International Court of Justice and Osvaldo Zavala Giler, Registrar of the International Criminal Court. Deborah Ruiz Verduzco, Executive Director of the Trust Fund for Victims at the International Criminal Court.

The Minister of Justice of Montenegro with Nazhat Khan, Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.

The visit highlighted tangible reform progress and Montenegro’s strong readiness to continue deepening cooperation with international partners, as it advances confidently through the final phase of its EU accession process.

Career Diplomat -vs- Honorary Consul What Is the Difference?

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Career Diplomat -vs- Honorary Consul What Is the Difference?

By Peter Kovacs

A career diplomat is a professional government officer serving in a state’s foreign service. An honorary consul is a private citizen authorized to perform limited consular functions for a sending state in a receiving state. Both roles are part of international relations, but they are not interchangeable.

The distinction matters because confusion between the two can lead to serious misunderstandings about authority, immunity, documents, and appointment processes. A careful comparison shows that both roles derive authority from governments, but they operate under different legal frameworks and with different limits.

Career diplomat: a government profession

A career diplomat is employed by the sending state’s foreign ministry or equivalent government department. Career diplomats usually enter through a formal public-service process, receive training, and serve across different posts and ranks. Their assignments are made by the sending government.

Career diplomats are governed principally by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961. When properly accredited and recognized by the receiving state, diplomatic agents receive broad protections designed to allow the diplomatic mission to function. These protections include personal inviolability and immunity from the host state’s criminal jurisdiction, subject to the structure and limits of the Convention.

Career diplomats also operate under professional restrictions. They are government employees, receive government compensation, and generally may not engage in private commercial activity for personal gain while posted.

Honorary consul: a limited consular role

An honorary consul is different. The person is usually a private citizen with strong local ties, professional standing, and some connection to the appointing state or its interests. The role is normally unpaid or minimally compensated and is honorary by nature.

Honorary consuls are governed principally by the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963. Article 68 recognizes that states may employ honorary consular officers. Their functions may include assisting nationals, supporting trade and cultural relations, liaising with the appointing state’s embassy, and performing limited administrative tasks where authorized.

Their immunity is narrower than that of career diplomatic agents. In general, honorary consular officers receive protection for official acts within their authorized functions. Their private conduct remains subject to the civil and criminal jurisdiction of the host state. This limited protection is one of the defining features of the role.

Side-by-side comparison

IssueCareer DiplomatHonorary Consul
Legal frameworkVienna Convention on Diplomatic RelationsVienna Convention on Consular Relations
StatusProfessional government officerPrivate citizen with limited consular authorization
AppointmentForeign-service appointment and accreditationSending-state commission plus receiving-state authorization
Host-state consentAgrément and accreditation, depending on roleExequatur or equivalent authorization
ImmunityBroad diplomatic immunity for accredited diplomatic agentsGenerally limited to official acts
Private businessGenerally prohibited during postingUsually permitted outside official functions
Government salaryYesUsually no
Treaty negotiationOnly within government authorityNo, unless separately and lawfully authorized
Official documentsIssued only by competent public authoritiesCannot privately issue diplomatic status or documents

How the appointment processes differ

A career diplomat is selected and posted through the sending state’s foreign-service system. For senior appointments such as ambassadors, the receiving state must usually provide prior consent. The process is state-to-state and remains confidential in many respects.

An honorary consul is considered through a different route. The sending state identifies a suitable private individual and submits the proposed appointment to the receiving state. If the receiving state consents, it grants an exequatur or equivalent authorization. Without that authorization, the person cannot lawfully act as an honorary consul in the host country.

Both processes are controlled by governments. Neither process can be compelled by a private person, purchased through a commercial arrangement, or guaranteed by an adviser.

Can private individuals become diplomats?

A private individual cannot become a career diplomat without entering the relevant government service and being posted by the government. Career diplomatic status is a public office, not a private credential.

Honorary consular roles may involve private citizens, but that does not make them privately available. A person may be considered only if a sending state chooses to nominate or commission the person and the receiving state authorizes the role. The legal source remains sovereign action, not private initiative.

This is the safest and most accurate way to describe non-career roles: they may involve private citizens, but they are not private products. Any claim that an appointment, passport, immunity, or official recognition can be obtained through a private purchase should be treated with skepticism.

Why the distinction matters

The coexistence of career diplomats and honorary consuls serves a practical purpose. Career diplomats provide the professional core of a state’s foreign representation. Honorary consuls can extend limited consular support into locations or communities where a full mission would not be proportionate.

Both roles can serve legitimate public functions. But the legitimacy of each depends on accurate legal framing, official authorization, and respect for the limits of the role.

William Blackstone Internacional provides educational and advisory support on these distinctions for clients and professional counterparties seeking to understand diplomatic protocol, public-international legal frameworks, documentation readiness, and compliance-sensitive issues. The firm does not sell, issue, obtain, arrange, or guarantee official roles, passports, credentials, privileges, immunities, visas, or governmental decisions.

The correct question is not whether one role is better than the other. The correct question is what each role legally is, what it is not, and which public authorities have the power to create and recognize it.

About the Author:

Peter Kovacs is Director of Strategy at William Blackstone Internacional, a Panama-based private consultancy focused on diplomatic protocol, public-international legal frameworks, documentation readiness, and compliance-sensitive advisory. The firm does not issue, arrange, or guarantee government documents, appointments, privileges, or outcomes.

The Diplomatic Appointment Process – From Nomination to Letters of Credence

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The Diplomatic Appointment Process – From Nomination to Letters of Credence

By Peter Kovacs

Diplomatic and consular appointments are formal public processes. They are not private transactions, not commercial services, and not outcomes that can be purchased or guaranteed. Whether the role is a career ambassador, a diplomatic officer, or an honorary consul, the legal authority comes from governments acting under domestic law, international law, and bilateral practice.

This article explains the main stages of appointment in plain language: nomination, host-state consent, issuance of credentials, presentation or authorization, and formal registration. It also explains the most important principle: sovereign discretion. Governments decide. Private parties do not.

Step 1 – Internal identification by the sending state

Every appointment begins with the sending state, meaning the government that wishes to appoint a representative. For career diplomats, this is usually an internal foreign-ministry process. The government selects a professional officer, determines the proposed posting, and initiates the appointment through official channels.

For honorary consular appointments, the sending state may consider a private citizen with strong local ties, professional standing, cultural or language knowledge, and a reputation that reflects appropriately on the appointing state. But the key point is the same: the decision begins with the government. A private person cannot nominate themselves into public authority, and a private adviser cannot nominate a candidate on behalf of a sovereign state.

Private advisory work, where appropriate, is limited to helping a person understand the legal framework, organize factual information, identify risks, and obtain properly licensed professional advice where required. It cannot create the appointment.

Step 2 – Agrément for ambassadors

Before a proposed ambassador is formally appointed, the sending state must usually request the agrément, or prior consent, of the receiving state. Article 4 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations reflects this requirement.

The process is confidential and diplomatic in character. The sending state communicates the proposed name through official channels. The receiving state reviews the proposal and may accept or refuse. It is not required to give reasons for refusal.

This stage demonstrates the central role of host-state consent. No person has a right to be accepted as ambassador by another state. Consent cannot be demanded, pressured, purchased, or guaranteed by a private actor.

Step 3 – Exequatur for consular officers

For consular appointments, including honorary consuls, the equivalent concept is the exequatur or comparable authorization by the receiving state. Under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, a consular officer cannot exercise official functions in the host country unless the receiving state permits it.

The sending state issues or transmits the relevant commission, and the receiving state decides whether to recognize the person for consular functions in a defined district. If the receiving state does not grant authorization, the appointment has no practical legal effect in that territory.

The receiving state may also withdraw authorization. This reinforces the limited and consent-based nature of consular authority.

Step 4 – Credentials and commissions

Once the required consent has been obtained, the sending state issues the official documents appropriate to the role.

For ambassadors, these are usually Letters of Credence. They are formal state documents addressed from the head of state of the sending country to the head of state of the receiving country. The ambassador normally presents them in a formal ceremony before fully taking up functions.

For consular officers, the equivalent is generally a consular commission or letter of appointment, together with the host state’s authorization. Honorary consuls operate within the scope of that commission and authorization. Their authority does not extend beyond the functions recognized by the relevant governments.

Step 5 – Notification and registration

After credentials are presented or authorization is granted, the receiving state’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is notified and the person is entered into the relevant diplomatic or consular list. These lists are important because they record who is officially recognized in the host country.

Legal privileges and immunities depend on proper status, notification, function, and recognition. They do not arise from a business card, a title used privately, a marketing claim, or a passport document standing alone. The receiving state’s recognition is central.

What private advisers can and cannot do

A private adviser may explain the legal architecture. An adviser may help a client understand the distinction between diplomatic and consular frameworks, identify documentation gaps, review reputational and compliance issues, and coordinate with licensed professionals where regulated work is required.

A private adviser may not sell a diplomatic appointment, obtain an exequatur, issue credentials, create immunity, arrange official recognition, or guarantee that any ministry, embassy, consulate, or foreign government will act. Any statement suggesting otherwise is inaccurate and should be treated with caution.

A conservative advisory model must therefore be built around refusal discipline. Matters involving sanctions exposure, politically exposed persons, source-of-funds concerns, document-integrity issues, bribery risk, misrepresentation, or reputational sensitivity should be screened carefully and declined where appropriate.

Government discretion is the rule

Across every stage – nomination, agrément, exequatur, issuance of credentials, notification, and registration – the decisive authority belongs to governments. This is not an administrative detail. It is the core of the system.

Governments may accept, refuse, delay, or revoke. They may change policy. They may ask for additional information. They may decline without explanation. The uncertainty is not a defect; it is an expression of sovereignty.

For this reason, responsible commentary should avoid language such as obtain, secure, fast-track, acquire, arrange, or guarantee when describing appointments or official documents. Safer and more accurate language is: understand the framework, prepare information, assess suitability, identify risks, and recognize that competent authorities decide.

A legitimate process, not a private product

Diplomatic and consular appointments remain important tools of international relations. Career diplomats provide professional state representation. Honorary consuls can support consular access, trade, culture, and community links in locations where a full mission may not be present.

The legitimacy of these roles depends on state authority, transparency, and compliance with legal limits. They should not be presented as personal mobility products, immunity tools, or commercial status opportunities.

William Blackstone Internacional provides educational and advisory support on diplomatic protocol, public-international legal frameworks, documentation readiness, and compliance-sensitive coordination. It does not sell, issue, obtain, arrange, or guarantee passports, credentials, appointments, immunities, privileges, visas, access to public officials, or governmental decisions.

Understanding the appointment process is the best protection against misunderstanding. The process is formal, structured, and legitimate – precisely because it is controlled by states, not by private actors.

About the author:

Peter Kovacs is Director of Strategy at William Blackstone Internacional, a Panama-based private consultancy focused on diplomatic protocol, public-international legal frameworks, documentation readiness, and compliance-sensitive advisory.

Ambassador Wand-Danielsson pays inaugural visit to Bremen

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Ambassador Wand-Danielsson pays inaugural visit to Bremen

Thursday, 23 April 2026, Free Hanseatic City of Bremen: Swedish Ambassador Veronika Wand-Danielsson paid her inaugural visit to the Senate at Bremen City Hall. She was accompanied by the new Honorary Consul in Bremen, Daniel Günther, who also received his certificate of appointment on this occasion. Both were received by Senator for Economic Affairs, Ports and Transformation, Kristina Vogt, representing Mayor Andreas Bovenschulte. The Ambassador also signed the city’s Golden Book.

The ambassador was visiting Bremen because Sweden is this year’s partner country of the jazzahead! jazz fair, at whose opening Wand-Danielsson participated. However, there are also close economic ties between Sweden and Bremen, largely centered on Bremen’s significant economic activities in the fields of hydrogen, aerospace, and security policy. For example, there is increasingly close cooperation in the area of the hydrogen economy, moving from research activities to industrial implementation.

Ambassador Wand-Danielsson, was subsequently welcomed by Bremen Parliament Speaker Antje Grotheer, for her inaugural visit to the Parliament building. Wand-Danielsson has been in office since September 2023; from September 2014 to August 2020, she represented Sweden as Ambassador to France and Monaco.

Eintrag ins Goldene Buch: Veronika Wand-Danielsso, schwedische Botschafterin

After the traditional signing of the guestbook, the hour-long exchange turned to cultural topics. During the remainder of the conversation, Wand-Danielsson and Grotheer discussed the relationship between Sweden and Germany regarding Ukraine. They noted that solidarity with Ukraine remains a high priority in both countries.

In this context, Grotheer spoke about the close ties between the city of Bremen and its twin city, Odessa, in Ukraine. Wand-Danielsson then spoke about a turning point in Sweden’s approach to defense. She explained that open communication with the public leads to support for military action, and that joining NATO enjoys the backing of approximately 70 percent of the Swedish population. Since 2017, Sweden has reinstated conscription for both men and women.

The discussion then turned to economic issues: Germany is Sweden’s most important trading partner, Wand-Danielsson noted. She added that Sweden is generally concerned about the current economic situation and emphasized the importance of economic independence from the United States.

For further information 

Bremen Senate: https://www.senatspressestelle.bremen.de/pressemitteilungen/schwedische-botschafterin-besucht-bremen-484100?asl=bremen02.c.732.de

Bremen Diet: https://www.bremische-buergerschaft.de/index.php?id=35&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=2405&cHash=4de02613be9bcfb90b9c6d871b0dc010

Portugal Expo: 52nd Anniversary of The April Revolution Frutos Da Liberdade

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Portugal Expo: 52nd Anniversary of The April Revolution Frutos Da Liberdade

By Roy Lie Atjam

The Hague, 16 April 2026 – The Ambassador of Portugal in the Netherlands, H.E. Ms. Clara Nunes dos Santos, in partnership with the Fondation Arpad Zsenes Vieira da Silva, represented by its President, Dr. António Gomes de Pinho, proudly hosted an exhibition at the Chancellery of Portugal to mark the 52nd anniversary of the April Revolution, the carnation revolution. This exhibition showcased an impressive selection of graphic works by one of Portugal’s foremost painters of the 20th century, Maria Helena Vieira da Silva, titled “Fruits of Freedom.”

In her powerful opening remarks, Ambassador Clara Nunes dos Santos declared, For my generation, there is no question: if we had to select an artwork that embodies this extraordinary moment in our democracy, it would unequivocally be a painting by Vieira da Silva. The poster displayed here stands as the most significant representation of that remarkable day.

Dr. António Gomes de Pinho and the Ambassador of Ireland, H.E. Ann Derwin. Portuguese Embassy, Anniversary of the Carnation Revolution, exhibition of graphic works Vieira da Silva.

The Ambassador further emphasized, “When considering a literary piece that encapsulates the essence of the Revolution, we would undoubtedly turn to the words of another great Portuguese poet, Sophia de Mello Breyner, whose poem captures the Revolution with clarity: ‘This is the dawn that I awaited, the initial, whole, and clean day, where we emerge from the night and from the silence, And free we inhabit the substance of time.’

Just yesterday, while preparing for the exhibition, I discovered that it was Sophia, a member of Parliament, who asked  Vieira da Silva to create a work celebrating the first anniversary of the democratic revolution.

This coincidence struck me profoundly, and it is essential that we take a moment, especially in these challenging times, to reflect on the critical importance of liberty and democracy.

I want to thank each of you for being here today, and I hope you will appreciate this remarkable showcase of a truly great Portuguese artist. When you visit Lisbon—note that I say “when,” not “if”—make sure to take the time to visit the outstanding foundation named after Vieira da Silva and her husband, Arpad Szenes, who hailed from Hungary.

It is my distinct honor to introduce Dr. António Gomes de Pinho, the President of the Arpad Szenes Vieira da Silva Foundation, who will share more about the foundation. Following his insight, Mrs. Sandra Brás Santos, the museum curator and a recognized expert, will provide further details about the remarkable artworks featured in this exhibition.

We have assembled a selection of 13 graphic works by one of the foremost Portuguese painters of the 20th century, Maria Helena Vieira da Silva, under the title “Fruits of Freedom.”

Enjoy the drinks and savory Portuguese snacks, including the exceptional bolinhos de bacalhau.

The exhibition remains open for visits on weekdays between 10.00 and 16.00 hours until 30th April 2026.

At the Polish Embassy in The Hague, history meets ambition

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At the Polish Embassy in The Hague, history meets ambition

When I arrived at the Polish Embassy in The Hague, the first thing that struck me was the building itself: elegant, historic, steeped in diplomatic tradition – like a place that remembers Europe’s past.

And yet, in many ways, it also frames Poland’s future. Because the Poland of today is no longer seen only through the prism of history. It is increasingly viewed as one of Europe’s most dynamic economies — a European tiger, ambitious, resilient, and eager to play a greater role not only in politics and security, but also in science, technology, and innovation.

Poland surprises with its energy, its scale of transformation, and its growing confidence on the international stage. And it is precisely at this intersection of history, strategy, and modern ambition that I met Ambassador Margareta Kassangana.

Diplomat Magazine: Ambassador, meeting here in this beautiful historic embassy building, I think about how much Poland’s image has changed in recent years. Do you feel that shift is also visible here in The Hague?

Ambassador Margareta Kassangana: Absolutely. And I think it is one of the most interesting developments in how Poland is perceived internationally. Of course, history remains an important part of our identity, but today’s Poland is also a country of remarkable economic dynamism, resilience, and ambition. We are not only a key political actor in Europe, but also a country that is becoming more visible through innovation, scientific progress, and strategic thinking. From The Hague, this transformation is very tangible. Our partners increasingly look at Poland not just as an important country on NATO’s eastern flank, but as a state that wants to help shape Europe’s future — politically, economically, technologically, and institutionally.

In the past, we mainly learned from our Dutch partners. Today, however, this relationship has become much more balanced, and in many areas we are equally eager to share our own experiences. This evolution is clearly reflected in one of our most enduring cooperation mechanisms – the Utrecht Conference. Originally established as a platform to support Poland’s preparations for accession to the European Union, it has transformed into a forum for mutual exchange of knowledge and best practices between our countries. This shift marks a significant change and is a source of great satisfaction, highlighting how much we have developed over the past years.

Let’s begin with bilateral relations. Poland and the Netherlands seem to have grown even closer in recent years, especially in security and defence. What is driving that deepening partnership?

In an increasingly unpredictable world, trusted partnerships matter more than ever. Few bilateral relationships in Europe illustrate this truth as clearly as the ties between Poland and the Netherlands. Already robust, Polish–Dutch ties have deepened significantly over the past three years, particularly in the fields of security, defence, and strategic cooperation.

The current political and security environment has once again underscored the importance of reliable allies. Intensive contacts between Warsaw and The Hague have confirmed that we approach the key issues on the international agenda with strikingly similar perspectives. Poland and the Netherlands are not only close partners; they are among the frontrunners of security cooperation in Europe, sharing a common vision of the continent’s security architecture.

This alignment is not merely rhetorical. It is reflected in concrete actions. When Russia violated Polish—and NATO—airspace in September 2025, the swift and resolute response by Dutch pilots sent a powerful signal. It was a vivid demonstration of partnership and unity at a moment of heightened tension. In challenging times, Poland and the Netherlands can count on one another.

So this is a partnership built not only on interests, but also on trust?

Indeed. Trust is the key word here. And that trust is strengthened by the fact that our relationship is rooted in something deeper than current events. It is built on a shared history and on values that were tested under the most difficult circumstances.

During the Second World War, Polish and Dutch soldiers fought side by side against Nazi Germany. On Dutch soil, general Stanisław Maczek and general Stanisław Sosabowski played an important role in the liberation of towns and villages. Their legacy still lives in Dutch memory, and it continues to shape the emotional and political fabric of our relationship.

This is why remembrance is not just symbolic. It has real diplomatic meaning. In May 2025, Prime Minister Donald Tusk was invited by Prime Minister Dick Schoof as guest of honour to deliver the liberation speech during the 80th anniversary commemorations marking the end of the Second World War. Later that same year, both prime ministers met in Poland to witness the signing of a bilateral Memorandum on Developing Defence Cooperation. That moment captured something essential: history and future ambition can reinforce one another.

Europe is again facing a moment of profound insecurity. How do Poland and the Netherlands respond to that together?

We respond with clarity. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and its broader imperial ambitions are a direct threat to European stability. Poland and the Netherlands both understand that supporting Ukraine it is a matter of principle and security. Our countries remain united in defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. That support takes many forms — political, military, humanitarian — and it reflects a broader understanding that the security of Europe is indivisible. What happens in Ukraine affects all of us.

But your work here is not only about defence and geopolitics. There is also a strong economic dimension to Polish–Dutch relations.

Yes, and it is a very important one. The Netherlands is one of Poland’s most significant economic partners. It is among our top export destinations and key suppliers of goods, but the real story is not only about trade volumes. It is about where this relationship can go next.

There is enormous potential in high-tech and innovation-driven sectors: IT and ICT, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, space innovation and also the energy transition. We see promising areas for cooperation in offshore wind, hydrogen technologies, and grid modernisation. These are sectors that are not just commercially attractive — they are strategically vital.

In today’s geopolitical reality, that matters enormously. Energy, defence, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, IT/ICT — these are no longer neutral economic fields. They are part of how Europe thinks about resilience, strategic autonomy, and risk reduction. So we need to look at economic cooperation through a broader lens than simple market efficiency.

We covered security, politics and economy but there is also a very human layer to this relationship, isn’t there?

Absolutely. One of the greatest strengths of Polish–Dutch relations is the people-to-people dimension. Around 400,000 Poles live in the Netherlands today, including many migrant workers. Their contribution to Dutch society and the Dutch economy is substantial and widely recognised.

They are often valued for their professionalism, expertise, work ethic, and reliability. But beyond economics, they also form a living bridge between our societies. They connect our cultures, our workplaces, and our everyday experiences in a way that diplomacy alone never could.

You’ve said before that what makes this embassy truly unique is its multilateral dimension. Why is that so central for you personally?

Because this is exactly what makes this posting so distinctive — and, for me, especially meaningful. The Polish Embassy in The Hague is not only a bilateral embassy. It is also a major multilateral platform. And that dual function is what defines much of my work.

The Hague is one of the world’s most important centres of international governance. Here, diplomacy intersects with international law, accountability, disarmament, and justice. Therefore, alongside the bilateral diplomacy I am also deeply engaged in a wide range of multilateral formats.

That includes, among others, the work with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), engagement with the International Criminal Court (ICC), and broader involvement in the ecosystem of international courts and legal institutions based in The Hague. These are not marginal activities. They are central to Poland’s foreign policy and to our understanding of international responsibility.

Ambassador Kassangana, speaking during her interview for Diplomat Magazine.

That sounds like a very demanding diplomatic environment.

It is. But it is also incredibly stimulating. This overlapping world of bilateral and multilateral diplomacy — this constantly interpenetrating reality — is both a major challenge and a source of momentum. It requires agility, strategic coherence, and a very broad perspective.

One day you are working on political dialogue with the Dutch authorities, economic cooperation, or defence matters. The next, you are engaged in discussions on chemical disarmament, accountability for war crimes, support mechanisms for Ukraine, or developments in international law. These spheres increasingly overlap. Security, law, politics, technology, humanitarian responsibility — they all interact.

And that is precisely why I find this role so compelling. The complexity is demanding, of course, but it is also a driving force. It pushes us to think in an integrated way.

Let’s stay for a moment with the multilateral side. Where is Poland most active here in The Hague?

Poland is very active in several key formats. At the OPCW, for example, we play an important and visible role. Every year, Poland presents to the UN General Assembly a resolution on the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. That is an important expression of our long-standing commitment to chemical disarmament and non-proliferation.

At present, Poland is also a member of the OPCW Executive Council, where I hold the position of Vice-Chairperson from the Eastern European Group. More recently, Poland finalised a voluntary financial contribution to support the OPCW’s work related to Syria and Ukraine. This reflects not only our political commitment, but also a practical willingness to help the organisation carry out its mission.

At the same time, Poland is highly active in the world of international justice. This engagement has been recognised in our work with the International Criminal Court. I currently serve as Vice-President of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute, which is both an honour and a responsibility. It is a sign that Poland is seen as a serious and constructive actor in these debates.

And, of course, Poland strongly supports international efforts aimed at helping Ukraine secure justice and redress. That commitment was clearly reflected in our accession, in December 2025, to the Convention establishing the International Claims Commission for Ukraine.

Listening to you, one has the impression that this embassy operates almost like several institutions in one.

In a sense, yes. And that is exactly why it is such a fascinating place to work. However, not only it requires diplomatic skills, but also high flexibility. You need to be able to move between very different registers: history and memory, defence cooperation, innovation policy, labour mobility, chemical disarmament, international criminal justice, and support for Ukraine. Yet these issues are increasingly interconnected, so the ability to see the bigger picture becomes essential.

Finally, if you had to describe today’s Polish presence in The Hague in one sentence, what would you say?

I would say that Poland in The Hague is a country that honours history, acts with determination in the present, and is increasingly ready to shape the future — both through strong partnerships and through serious multilateral engagement.

Ambassador, thank you very much.

Thank you. It was a pleasure.

Friendship Beyond Borders: Ambassador Giorgio Novello’s Ties to The Hague

Diplomat Magazine
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Friendship Beyond Borders: Ambassador Giorgio Novello’s Ties to The Hague

Ambassador Giorgio Novello, former Ambassador of Italy to the Netherlands, returned to Rome one year ago, where he continues his distinguished work as Italy’s National Coordinator for International Criminal Justice.

Looking back on his time in the Netherlands, Ambassador Novello holds dear the unforgettable memories of more than four remarkable years spent in The Hague alongside his wife, Biancamaria.

Though now based in Rome, Ambassador Novello remains closely connected to the Netherlands and sends his warm greetings to all the Dutch, Italian, European Union, and international friends he met during his tenure. He extends a particularly heartfelt message to his dear friends in the Jewish community of The Hague, with whom he continues to maintain close and valued relations.

He also conveys his sincere appreciation and warm regards to the editorial team and readers of Diplomat Magazine, which he considers a vital meeting point and a true source of friendship within The Hague’s diplomatic community.

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