A meeting of diplomatic representatives, government leaders and CEOs explores Europe’s economic competitiveness and international partnerships
At a time of shifting geopolitical dynamics, changing trade relations and increasing international economic challenges, the Ambassadors Forum has established itself as an important meeting point between the diplomatic community and the business sector.
Founded and organised by Emiel de Sévrèn Jacquet, Chairman and Founder of the Ambassadors Forum and Honorary Consul of Ukraine, the initiative brings together ambassadors representing countries from around the world with senior executives of leading Dutch companies and organisations across different industries.
Since its creation, the Forum has developed a distinctive platform where diplomacy and business meet. Its founding concept is to bring the international diplomatic community and the leadership of major companies together on one occasion, recreating the dynamics of international exchanges in which economic interests, diplomatic relations and opportunities for cooperation intersect.
Hosted at the Royal Tropical Institute (KIT) in Amsterdam, this year’s edition welcomed more than 80 ambassadors, representatives of the Dutch government and over 120 CEOs from leading Dutch companies.
The programme addressed some of the most pressing questions facing Europe, including economic competitiveness, international trade, technological development and strategic security.
Europe’s economic and strategic position
The Forum opened with a welcome address and keynote speech by Mr Tom Berendsen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, followed by an address from Mr Peter Wennink, former CEO of ASML and author of the Wennink Report.
Minister Berendsen addressed the changing geopolitical environment and the need for Europe to strengthen its defence capabilities, economic security and international partnerships. He emphasised that realism in international affairs should not lead to resignation, stating: “Realism isn’t the same as resignation.”
He called for stronger European cooperation, increased resilience, continued support for Ukraine and a renewed commitment to international rules and institutions. He also underlined the importance of connecting economic and security policies, pointing out that developments in energy, transport, technology and trade have consequences far beyond national borders.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of international partnerships, observing that “true partnerships often reveal themselves precisely when times are tough.”
His address provided an important perspective for the subsequent discussion on Europe’s ability to translate economic strength into strategic influence.
Can Europe turn economic competitiveness into strategic power?
The central panel discussion, entitled “Europe’s Moment: Can We Turn Economic Competitiveness into Strategic Power?”, examined the implications of the Wennink Report for the Netherlands, Europe and its international partners.
The panel brought together Minister Tom Berendsen and Peter Wennink, alongside H.E. Christopher Rampling, British Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Mr Fabricio Bloisi, CEO of Prosus; and Mr Sam Lowe of Chatham House and member of the UK Government’s Strategic Trade Advisory Group.
The discussion was moderated by H.E. Prof. Dr Jan Peter Balkenende, Minister of State and former Prime Minister of the Netherlands.
The exchange considered Europe’s economic and technological position, the importance of international trade and the conditions necessary to maintain competitiveness while reducing strategic dependencies. A question-and-answer session allowed participants to engage further with the speakers.
Diplomacy and business at the same table
The afternoon concluded with a networking reception, providing ambassadors, policymakers and business executives with an opportunity to continue their conversations and establish new professional contacts.
The Ambassadors Forum is supported by an Advisory Committee comprising Jan Peter Balkenende, Marjan Rintel, Steven van Rijswijk, Roy W.O. Jakobs, Arthur van Dijk and Bibi van Zuylen van Nijevelt.
By bringing together the diplomatic representatives of nations and the leadership of major companies, the Forum addresses an increasingly important dimension of international relations: the close relationship between diplomacy, economic cooperation and business interests.
As Minister Berendsen reminded participants in his closing reflections, “The world will always keep changing. What matters is whether we are willing to change with it and build the relationships that will enable us to shape a safe and prosperous future.”
