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.
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.
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.
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.
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Les photos dans l’article sont une courtoisie de la Cour International de Justice.
Cooperation on a complex international criminal investigation has led to the interception of drug shipments worth an estimated EUR 25 million and the arrest of seven suspected members of a drug trafficking network in Romania. The network provided drug transportation services to other criminal groups as a form of “crime as a service”. Eurojust coordinated judicial cooperation between the authorities involved at various stages of the investigation.
On 24 August, Romanian authorities searched 16 premises across the country, collecting evidence indicating that the network had been operating since September 2023. Organised in a pyramid structure, the group generated significant profits by providing drug transportation services to other criminal organisations.
The network transported large quantities of drugs from Spain to destinations across Europe, using trucks equipped with concealed compartments. To conceal the proceeds of their criminal activities, the suspects allegedly established legitimate companies as fronts.
The group also provided legal assistance to truck drivers arrested while transporting drugs and attempted to gain access to the relevant criminal case files, reportedly to prevent investigators from establishing links to the network’s leadership.
When Romanian authorities began investigating the network, they cooperated with counterparts in France, Germany, Italy and Spain through Eurojust to intercept drug shipments. Four shipments containing 114 kilograms of cocaine, 228 kilograms of cannabis and 1,300 kilograms of hashish were intercepted. The drugs had an estimated market value of approximately EUR 25 million.
Romanian authorities also worked with their French counterparts through Eurojust to obtain evidence from the encrypted communications platform Sky ECC. The messages can now be used in subsequent criminal proceedings.
The evidence collected during the 24 August operation will be analysed as the investigation continues. Seven suspects were arrested during the action, including a Europol high-value target. All seven are currently in custody.
The operation involved the following authorities:
Romania: Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) – Central Structure, Section for Fighting Drug Trafficking; Financial Investigation Service for Organized Crime Groups within the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime; Special Interventions and Actions Service of the General Inspectorate of the Romanian Police.
France: Public Prosecution Office of Perpignan; Public Prosecution Office of Paris (PNACO).
Germany: Public Prosecution Office of Heidelberg.
Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Office of Bologna.
Spain: Public Prosecution Office of Tarragona; Public Prosecution Office of Málaga.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Air Europa has developed a distinctive international profile, with Madrid serving as a strategic hub connecting Europe with Latin America and an expanding network across Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Its transatlantic reach has also given the airline a particularly relevant role in connecting Spain and other European markets with Latin America.
In this interview with Diplomat Magazine, Alcino Ribeiro, General Manager of Air Europa for France and Benelux, discusses the airline’s engagement with the diplomatic community, the importance of international air connectivity and the company’s plans for fleet renewal and network expansion. He also reflects on the balance between growth, innovation and sustainability, while emphasising an approach that has been part of Air Europa’s identity since its beginnings: “human, close and agile.”
Engaging with the Diplomatic Community
How does Air Europa work with embassies and the diplomatic community in the Netherlands?
Both in the Netherlands and in all the markets where we operate, our local office and teams work constantly to strengthen relations with local representations, including embassies, tourism offices and professional players in the sector, particularly tour operators and travel agencies.
We regularly organise events bringing these stakeholders together to promote the destinations we serve and create synergies between different entities. These initiatives also provide visibility to many countries whose representation in certain markets, such as the Netherlands, may be more limited.
We frequently associate destinations with our professional workshops or organise meetings and presentations at embassies, inviting leading distributors and professionals specialising in the destination. All of this contributes to strengthening market knowledge, encouraging exchanges and building lasting links between the stakeholders involved.
Air Europa also maintains a very close relationship with ambassadors and the diplomatic community. Beyond certain facilities or commercial gestures that we may offer in some cases, what our counterparts truly value is our proximity, personalised attention and the flexibility with which we try to respond to their international travel needs.
This human, close and agile approach has been part of Air Europa’s DNA since its origins, and it is precisely what enables us to build lasting relationships of trust with the diplomatic community and international institutions.
A Strategic Position Between Europe and Latin America
Air Europa has a strong presence between Europe and Latin America. How is the network evolving, and which markets are most important for future growth?
In addition to our purpose of connecting people around the world, we are working to become the airline of reference between Europe and Latin America. We have an extensive network covering the main destinations in Central America and the Caribbean, as well as the Southern Cone.
Our strategic position at Madrid-Barajas allows us to offer passengers a wider range of connections. We currently operate two daily frequencies between Amsterdam and Madrid, providing easy connections with the rest of our network in Africa, the Middle East and, particularly, Latin America.
This, together with key aspects such as service quality and our Business Class, represents an important part of the value we provide.
We have also expanded our possibilities with the opening of the Madrid–Istanbul route in May last year, and from June we will do so again with the first direct flights to Johannesburg, opening new possibilities for both tourism and business travel to South Africa.
Growth and Fleet Renewal
What are the company’s main priorities as it looks ahead?
Our Strategic Plan remains firmly focused on the growth of our operations. The first step is the incorporation of new aircraft and the renewal of the fleet.
Last year, we incorporated new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft and our first Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, of which we will receive another ten in 2026. In addition, the agreement reached with Airbus guarantees the progressive incorporation of up to 40 A350-900 aircraft for our long-haul routes.
This fleet expansion is enabling us to increase frequencies in Europe and across the Americas, while continuing to add new destinations. Johannesburg will be joined this year by Geneva and, as new summer routes, Bologna and Tangier. We will also resume operations to Tunis, Marrakech, Alghero and Athens.
Our aircraft are also central to our sustainability objectives. Their efficiency has enabled us to reduce emissions by 23% since 2015, a figure we aim to increase to 30% by the end of 2030.
The Passenger Experience
How is Air Europa approaching innovation and the passenger experience?
We continue to work to provide the best possible customer service. From the personal attention our customers value to improvements in the booking and purchasing processes through our website and app, we continue to develop initiatives aimed at making the flight the best part of the journey.
We are also continuously expanding our in-flight entertainment offering and making gastronomy one of our distinguishing features. We have recently introduced creations by Mario Sandoval to our Business Class menus on continental routes, while continuing our collaboration with Martín Berasategui on long-haul routes.
These initiatives are complemented by the multiple benefits and advantages we continue to add to our Air Europa Suma loyalty programme.
Forty Years of International Outlook
Air Europa is celebrating its 40th anniversary. What distinguishes the company in an increasingly competitive international market?
We are celebrating our fortieth anniversary this year and, since our origins, we have maintained a clear international outlook. We have succeeded in establishing our own distinctive position in the market.
We have a strong level of brand recognition in Latin America, which makes us a strategic player in transatlantic connectivity — an advantage that we will continue to strengthen.
Our recent experience has enabled us to optimise our operations and adapt rapidly to a constantly evolving market full of challenges.
Looking Beyond the Current Network
What is Air Europa’s long-term vision for its international development?
Our long-term vision is to offer the best possible connectivity. Our reach continues to grow, responding to a market that demands greater variety and availability of options.
The agreement reached last year with Turkish Airlines reinforces precisely this strategy and allows us, from the Istanbul hub, to continue expanding our horizons across both Africa and Asia.
In addition to the offering and the quality of the product we can provide, at Air Europa we maintain a human, close and agile approach that has been part of the company’s DNA since its origins.
It is precisely this philosophy that enables us to build lasting relationships of trust, both with our professional partners and institutional representatives, and with each of our individual customers.
Con cuatro décadas de trayectoria, Air Europa se ha consolidado como una de las aerolíneas españolas con mayor proyección internacional y como un importante enlace entre Europa y América Latina, además de ampliar progresivamente su presencia hacia África, Oriente Próximo y Asia. Su posición en el aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas le permite articular conexiones entre distintos mercados y responder a una demanda cada vez más orientada hacia una mayor variedad y disponibilidad de destinos.
En esta entrevista con Diplomat Magazine, Alcino Ribeiro, General Manager de Air Europa para Francia y Benelux, aborda la relación de la compañía con el cuerpo diplomático, el papel de la conectividad aérea en las relaciones entre Europa y América Latina y los principales proyectos de expansión y renovación de la flota. También explica cómo la compañía busca combinar crecimiento, innovación y sostenibilidad, manteniendo un enfoque que, en sus palabras, debe seguir siendo “humano, cercano y ágil”.
Relación con el cuerpo diplomático
¿Cómo valora Air Europa la colaboración con las embajadas de países latinoamericanos acreditadas en los Países Bajos y qué iniciativas desarrolla con el cuerpo diplomático?
Tanto en los Países Bajos como en todos los mercados donde estamos presentes, nuestra oficina local y nuestros equipos trabajan constantemente para fortalecer las relaciones entre las representaciones locales —como embajadas, oficinas de turismo y actores profesionales del sector, especialmente tour operadores y agencias de viajes.
Organizamos regularmente eventos que reúnen a estos interlocutores con el objetivo de promover los destinos a los que volamos y crear sinergias entre las diferentes entidades. Estas iniciativas permiten además dar una excelente visibilidad a muchos países cuya representación en algunos mercados, como en los Países Bajos, puede ser más limitada.
Con frecuencia asociamos destinos a nuestros workshops profesionales o incluso organizamos encuentros y presentaciones en embajadas, invitando a los principales distribuidores y profesionales especializados en el destino. Todo ello contribuye a reforzar el conocimiento del mercado, impulsar los intercambios y crear vínculos duraderos entre todos los actores implicados.
Air Europa mantiene además una relación muy cercana con los embajadores y el cuerpo diplomático. Más allá de determinadas facilidades o gestos comerciales que podamos ofrecer en algunos casos, lo que realmente valoran nuestros interlocutores es nuestra proximidad, la atención personalizada y la flexibilidad con la que tratamos de responder a sus necesidades de viaje internacionales.
Ese enfoque humano, cercano y ágil forma parte del ADN de Air Europa desde sus orígenes y es precisamente lo que nos permite construir relaciones de confianza duraderas con el cuerpo diplomático y las instituciones internacionales.
Una red con vocación global
Air Europa desempeña un papel importante en la conectividad entre Europa y América Latina. ¿Cuál es actualmente el alcance de su red y qué mercados considera estratégicos para el futuro?
Además de nuestro propósito de conectar a personas en todo el mundo, trabajamos para ser la aerolínea de referencia entre Europa y América Latina, donde contamos con una red muy amplia que cubre los principales destinos tanto en Centroamérica y Caribe como en el Cono Sur.
Es esta posición estratégica desde el hub de Madrid-Barajas la que nos permite ofrecer un mayor alcance a nuestros pasajeros. Actualmente contamos con dos frecuencias diarias entre Ámsterdam y Madrid, lo que permite conectar fácilmente con el resto de nuestra red en África, Oriente Próximo y, especialmente, América Latina.
Lo anterior, junto a aspectos clave como la calidad de servicio y nuestra clase Business, representa una parte fundamental del valor añadido que aportamos.
Además, hemos ampliado nuestras posibilidades con la apertura de la ruta entre Madrid y Estambul, en mayo del pasado año, y volveremos a hacerlo desde junio con los primeros vuelos directos a Johannesburgo, con todo lo que ello supone tanto para los desplazamientos turísticos como de negocio en Sudáfrica.
¿Cuáles son actualmente los proyectos más ambiciosos de Air Europa en materia de expansión, innovación y experiencia del pasajero?
Nuestro Plan Estratégico sigue centrado, de forma decidida, en el crecimiento de nuestra operativa. Para ello, el primer paso está siendo la incorporación de nuevas aeronaves y la renovación de la flota.
El pasado año incorporamos nuevas unidades del Boeing 787 Dreamliner y nuestros primeros Boeing 737 MAX, de los que recibiremos este 2026 otros diez. Además, el acuerdo cerrado con Airbus nos garantiza la incorporación progresiva de hasta 40 A350-900 para nuestras rutas de largo radio.
Gracias a este proceso de ampliación de flota, estamos pudiendo incrementar las frecuencias, tanto en Europa como en toda América, al igual que seguimos añadiendo nuevos destinos a los que volamos directamente. A Johannesburgo se unirán este año Ginebra y, como nuevas rutas estivales, Bolonia y Tánger. Estos nuevos destinos de verano se sumarán igualmente a Túnez, Marrakech, Alghero y Atenas, donde también volvemos a operar.
Nuestros aviones no solo son fundamentales en la operativa, sino también en nuestros objetivos de sostenibilidad. Su eficiencia nos ha permitido reducir desde 2015 un 23 % de emisiones, porcentaje que tenemos previsto elevar al 30 % antes del fin de 2030.
Por último, seguimos trabajando para proporcionar el mejor servicio al cliente. Desde la atención cercana que tanto valoran nuestros usuarios hasta las mejoras introducidas en los procesos de reserva y compra vía web y app, seguimos desarrollando iniciativas para hacer del vuelo la mejor experiencia del viaje.
Además de ampliar continuamente la oferta de entretenimiento a bordo, estamos convirtiendo la gastronomía en una de nuestras señas de identidad. Acabamos de incorporar las creaciones de Mario Sandoval a nuestros menús Business en rutas continentales, mientras seguimos colaborando con Martín Berasategui en las rutas de largo radio.
A todo ello se suman los múltiples beneficios y ventajas que incorporamos de forma continua a nuestro programa de fidelización Air Europa Suma.
Air Europa cumple 40 años. ¿Cómo se posiciona la compañía ante un sector cada vez más competitivo y qué papel aspira a desempeñar como aerolínea europea con vocación internacional?
Celebramos este año cuarenta años y, desde nuestros orígenes, mantenemos una clara vocación internacional. Hemos logrado encontrar una posición propia y diferencial en el mercado.
Contamos con un reconocimiento de marca notable en Latinoamérica, lo que nos convierte en un actor estratégico en la conectividad transatlántica, una ventaja que seguiremos reforzando.
Nuestra experiencia reciente nos ha permitido optimizar la operativa y adaptarnos con rapidez a un mercado en constante evolución y lleno de desafíos.
Una visión basada en la conectividad
¿Cuál es la visión a largo plazo de Air Europa y qué elementos considera fundamentales para seguir reforzando su posicionamiento internacional?
Nuestra visión a largo plazo pasa por ofrecer la mejor conectividad posible. Cada vez contamos con un alcance mayor, y eso responde a un mercado que demanda variedad y disponibilidad en la oferta.
El acuerdo alcanzado el pasado año con Turkish Airlines refuerza precisamente esa estrategia y nos permite, desde el hub de Estambul, seguir ampliando horizontes tanto en África como en Asia.
Además de la oferta y de la calidad del producto que podemos ofrecer, en Air Europa mantenemos un enfoque humano, cercano y ágil que forma parte del ADN de la compañía desde sus orígenes.
Es precisamente esta filosofía la que nos permite construir relaciones de confianza duraderas, tanto con nuestros partners profesionales y representaciones institucionales, como con cada uno de nuestros clientes individuales.
Twenty-two Italian companies will showcase forward-looking solutions for the international shipbuilding and maritime technology industry at SMM 2026.
At SMM (Shipbuilding, Machinery & Maritime Technology), taking place from 1 to 4 September in Hamburg, 22 selected Italian companies will present innovative solutions for the maritime industry at the Italian Trade Agency (ITA/ICE) joint stand. Their technologies and products range from sustainable propulsion systems and energy solutions to high-tech components and equipment for modern shipbuilding.
For Ferdinando Fiore, Director of the Italian Trade Agency in Berlin, SMM provides an ideal platform to showcase the innovative strength of Italy’s shipbuilding, marine technology and supply industries to an international audience of industry professionals. It also offers an opportunity to further strengthen economic cooperation with Germany, Italy’s most important trading partner.
The participating companies represent a broad cross-section of the maritime value chain, ranging from established manufacturers to newcomers on the international stage and from family-owned businesses to emerging medium-sized enterprises. Their portfolios include sustainable environmental and energy systems, navigation, communication and maritime safety components, as well as innovative materials, propulsion technologies and technical equipment for modern shipbuilding.
Italy Maintains Its Leading Position in European Shipbuilding
Italy’s maritime sector has recorded continuous growth since 2014 and remained resilient despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. Total turnover in the Italian boating industry increased from €2.48 billion in 2014 to approximately €8.6 billion in 2025. Domestic production accounts for the majority of turnover, while around 78 per cent of production was destined for export in 2025.
With more than 1.13 million employees, the wider maritime sector is an important component of Italy’s economy. The shipbuilding and maritime mechatronics sector alone employs approximately 180,000 people and is characterised by a strong presence of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Europe’s Leading Shipbuilding Sector by Turnover
Italy also continues to lead Europe in shipbuilding turnover. With net turnover of €13.6 billion, the Italian shipbuilding sector recorded the highest turnover among European countries in 2024. According to Eurostat, Italy ranked first among EU Member States, ahead of France, which recorded €11.6 billion.
The Italian shipbuilding industry also ranks among Europe’s most productive sectors in terms of labour productivity, with net turnover per employee remaining above the German industry average in 2024.
Accelerating the Green Transition
The transition towards more sustainable maritime transport is becoming increasingly important, driven in part by stricter European environmental regulations and the global decarbonisation agenda.
Through the Transizione 5.0 programme, the Italian government is supporting manufacturers in improving energy efficiency and advancing digitalisation. At European level, the Hy2Tech programme is supporting the development of sustainable hydrogen and fuel-cell powertrains, as well as hybrid technologies.
These developments are aligned with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) objective of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by or around 2050. Several companies represented at the Italian Trade Agency’s joint stand are developing technologies specifically aimed at supporting this transformation and contributing to lower-emission shipping.
Italian Trade Agency Joint Stand at SMM 2026
Messe Hamburg, Hall B3, Upper Floor — Stand 302 and other participating stands
About the Italian Trade Agency
As the Italian government agency for foreign trade, the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) promotes Italy’s economic and trade relations worldwide and supports Italian companies in their internationalisation and the promotion of Made in Italy products and services. It also works to strengthen the international profile and economic reputation of Italy and its business community.
Exhibitors at the Italian Trade Agency’s Joint Stand
Con motivo del Día Nacional de Uruguay, el Excmo. Sr. Embajador Álvaro González Otero ofreció una significativa recepción en la residencia oficial de la misión.
La velada, marcada por la elegancia y la hospitalidad, reunió a invitados distinguidos, entre ellos el nuevo Secretario de la Corte Internacional de Justicia, Dr. Santiago Villalpando, las Ministras de Aruba y Saint Martin y el Ministro de Curazao, Embajadores, representantes del cuerpo diplomático, del sistema judicial internacional, de los medios de comunicación y de la comunidad uruguaya en los Países Bajos. Asistieron, entre otros, embajadores y jefes de misión destacándose los representantes diplomáticos de Brasil, Portugal, Guatemala, Argentina, República Dominicana, Cuba, Venezuela, Ecuador, México, Costa Rica, Irlanda, Perú, Panamá, Chile.
El idioma Español fue el punto común entre los invitados pues siendo Uruguay el Coordinador del Grupo de Amigos del Español en La Haya (GAEH), una plataforma diplomática constituida a mediados del 2025 para promover, defender y consolidar el uso del idioma español en los organismos internacionales con sede en La Haya, el Embajador González Otero decidió destacar también la importancia del Español en las instituciones internacionales.
Día Nacional de Uruguay, La Haya 2026.
Una bienvenida culinaria y musical
La recepción comenzó con una cálida bienvenida gastronómica. Gracias al generoso apoyo del Instituto Nacional de Carnes de Uruguay (INAC), se ofreció auténtica carne uruguaya, al igual que empanadas de espinaca y atún, pasta frola y un helado de dulce de leche, acompañados por reconocidos vinos nacionales, muy apreciados por los invitados internacionales.
El primer momento cultural fue profundamente emotivo debido a la interpretación de los himnos nacionales de Uruguay y los Países Bajos, aportando solemnidad a la celebración.
El discurso del Embajador
En su discurso, el Embajador González Otero dio una cálida bienvenida a todos los asistentes y con emoción, subrayó la relevancia histórica de celebrar el 201 aniversario de la independencia de la República Oriental del Uruguay reafirmando los valores de la nación desde sus inicios en el 1825: Libertad, institucionalidad, democracia y respeto por la dignidad humana.
«Uruguay es, desde hace años, el país con menor percepción de corrupción de América Latina, según Transparencia Internacional, y una democracia plena de acuerdo con el Democracy Index».
Reflexionando sobre los 201 años de vida independiente, destacó que: «Nuestra tradición democrática se refleja también en hitos históricos: en el 1932, Uruguay se convirtió en el primer país de América Latina en otorgar el voto a la mujer. Uruguay, es también internacionalmente valorado como promotor del Sistema Universal de Protección de los Derechos Humanos en diversos temas. Contamos con el menor riesgo país de la región, con más de una década de grado inversor, lo que refleja la confianza sostenida de los mercados internacionales.
Somos lideres regionales en telecomunicaciones: Uruguay posee uno de los niveles de conectividad digital más altos de Sudamérica, con una de las redes de fibra óptica más extensas del continente y un ecosistema digital reconocido por Naciones Unidad y por Digital Nations.
A ello se suma nuestro destacado sector tecnológico; Uruguay es el principal exportador de software per cápita de Sudamérica, con empresas que operan globalmente y un ecosistema de innovación que integra biotecnología, inteligencia artificial y más de 300 grupos de investigación. »
Ministra de Aruba y Embajadores de Costa Rica, Peru y Cuba.
El Embajador también resaltó los logros del país en transformación digital, energías renovables, estabilidad macroeconómica e innovación.
«Permítanme destacar otro pilar fundamental de nuestro desarrollo: la transición energética y la sostenibilidad. Uruguay es hoy un referente mundial en energías renovables. Un 98% de nuestra matriz eléctrica provienen de fuentes limpias, principalmente hidroeléctrica, eólica, biomasa y solar, posicionando Uruguay entre los países con mayor participación de energías renovables en el mundo. Este logro no solo reduce nuestra seguridad energética sino que nos proyecta como un socio destacado en la lucha global contra el cambio climático.»
El Embajador dirigió también un mensaje a los distinguidos uruguayos presentes: «Hoy celebramos no solo nuestra independencia, sino también a nuestra gente: a quienes construyen el Uruguay del día a día, dentro y fuera de nuestras fronteras; a quienes representan nuestros valores con orgullo; a quienes mantienen vivo el espíritu de nuestra nación en cada rincón del mundo. »
Concluyó su intervención con un sentido mensaje de union: «los invito a compartir ahora un brindis por ello y por la sincera amistad uruguayo-neerlandesa. Muchas gracias a todos por vuestro constante apoyo y cariño. Desde lo más profundo de mi corazón, ¡Vivan Uruguay y los Países Bajos!».
Lourdes Mariela Machado, Consejera Embajada del Uruguay, Rossina Álvarez, cantante uruguaya, Embajador González Otero y Mabel González, actriz y cantante uruguaya.
Una velada de arte
El programa cultural ofreció a los invitados una vibrante muestra del alma uruguaya. Participaron la actriz y cantante Mabel González con poemas de Mario Benedetti y de Idea Vilariño. La cantante y compositora Rossina Álvarez interpreto canciones de Alfredo Le Pera- Carlos Gardel y Ruben Rada.
Rada precursor del candombe y figura emblemática de la música popular uruguaya lamentablemente fallecido un día después. En homenaje, Uruguay ofreció una despedida nacional multitudinaria con miles de personas quienes lo acompañaron en el Palacio Legislativo como el mismo había pedido, con su música y alegría. El Presidente de la Nación y múltiples figuras del medio artístico y de la política, se hicieron presentes para despedir al connotado artista.
Gustavo Morales Bertinat, Embassy of Uruguay, H.E. Ms Franca Deza Ferreccio, Ambassador of Peru and H.E. Dr. Philippe Couvreur, Judge ICJ.Uruguayas; Florencia Firpo, Dra. Silvia Chiarino y Silvia Mancuso.
Una noche para recordar
La celebración se extendió por más de tres horas, en un ambiente de fraternidad donde los invitados disfrutaron de la música, la gastronomía y el cálido espíritu uruguayo.
An Interview with Hildemarij Fortanier Mesker on Supporting Diplomats and the International Community
The Hague, known as the international city of peace and justice, is home to a thriving ecosystem of international organisations and diplomatic missions, including more than 110 embassies and consulates and 520 international organisations that play a crucial role in the city’s economy and identity. Supporting this community—including diplomats, international professionals, and their families—The Hague International Centre is an essential part of the city’s role as a host.
In this interview, Hildemarij Fortanier Mesker, Department Head of International Affairs and Manager of The Hague International Centre, explains how the Centre helps internationals navigate practical matters, access services, and feel welcome and at home from the moment they arrive.
For readers who may not yet be familiar with the Centre, what role does The Hague International Centre play in supporting the international community in the region?
“The Hague has a long-standing international history. For centuries, the city has played a role on the global stage, and today it is widely recognised as the international city of Peace and Justice. With institutions such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, as well as a large diplomatic community, that identity is deeply embedded in the city.
We are proud of that. But it is not shaped by institutions alone—it is brought to life every day by embassies, consulates, and international organisations that represent their countries and contribute to dialogue and cooperation.
As a host city, we see it as our responsibility to support that entire ecosystem. That means not only facilitating institutions, but also creating an environment in which diplomats and their families can live and work effectively, feel welcome, and find their way with ease.
The Hague International Centre plays a key role in that. It is a central point of contact where internationals can access services, information, and support. Although based in The Hague, we serve the wider region, so diplomats and internationals across the region can turn to us. In that way, we make the city’s international role tangible in everyday life.”
Support for International Newcomers and Their Families
“Relocating to another country is a major step, not only professionally but also personally. We see very clearly that the experience of spouses and partners is often decisive in whether people truly feel at home.
That is why we focus on supporting the whole household. We assist with municipal registration and provide guidance on housing, healthcare, education, learning Dutch, and employment opportunities for spouses and partners.
At the same time, we help people understand how systems work and where to turn for support. That clarity makes it easier to build a life here.
We work closely with ACCESS, whose volunteers often have personal experience as expats. That adds an important human perspective to the support we offer.
By combining practical guidance with attention to personal well-being, we help people make a strong start and feel connected more quickly.”
Municipal Registration
“One of the services we provide is facilitating municipal registration. Diplomats can choose to register with the municipality in addition to their registration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which often makes access to local services easier.
The process itself is straightforward and does not affect diplomatic privileges or immunities.
We also explain how registration relates to services such as DigiD, healthcare, and childcare. Especially in the first months after arrival, this kind of guidance helps people avoid unnecessary complications and find their way more quickly.”
Events and Community Building
“Feeling at home is not only about practical matters—it is also about connection.
That is why we organise events throughout the year. Our Welcome to The Hague events offer a practical introduction to living and working in the Netherlands, combined with the opportunity to meet others and explore the city.
Our Feel at Home events provide more in-depth support, for example through contact with experts on housing, childcare, and taxation.
We see that spouses and partners in particular benefit from these events. They help them build networks and find their own place, which is an important step in settling in.”
“The diplomatic community is central to The Hague’s international character, and we aim to ensure that diplomats and their families—including those based elsewhere in the region—can easily access the support they need.
We receive questions on topics such as registration, access to services like DigiD, and family-related matters. Spouses and partners often ask about employment, volunteering, or how to build their own networks.
Our role is to provide clarity and connect people to the right information. Because we work closely with municipal departments, national authorities, and partner organisations, we can guide people effectively.
At the same time, we actively gather feedback from the international community. That input is very valuable, as it helps us identify where improvements are needed—not only in our services, but also more broadly.”
Looking Beyond the Centre: Strengthening the International Environment
“The International Centre is part of a broader effort by the Municipality of The Hague to remain a strong and attractive international city.
In our work, we are not only focused on providing services, but also on representing the interests of the international community and ensuring that these are taken into account in policy and decision-making. We do this in close collaboration with partners at regional, national, and international level.
This collaboration is essential, because many of the topics that matter for internationals go beyond one organisation or level of government. Think, for example, of access to international education, housing, labour market opportunities for partners, or the availability of services in English.
By working together with municipalities in the region, national government, and international partners, we contribute to improving these conditions. At the same time, the experiences we gather through our daily contact with internationals help inform this work and ensure it remains closely connected to what people actually need.
In that way, we connect individual experiences to the bigger picture. We help to create an environment in which internationals can not only come to work, but also build a life and feel at home—and in doing so contribute to a strong and well-functioning international community.”
Hildemarij Fortanier Mesker, The Hague International Center
Stay Updated
“To stay informed, you can subscribe to our newsletter and follow The Hague International Centre on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. You are also very welcome to visit our website or stop by our helpdesk at City Hall. We look forward to meeting you there.”
Recently accredited to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, H.E. Hernán Bascuñán has begun his mission in The Hague with an agenda focused on some of the most pressing priorities facing Chile, the Netherlands and the international community. A career diplomat with extensive experience in bilateral and multilateral affairs, Ambassador Bascuñán brings particular expertise in international law, strategic planning, European affairs and multilateral diplomacy.
Having presented his Letters of Credence to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander on 24 June 2026, the Ambassador has identified the strengthening of the Chile–Netherlands partnership as a central priority of his mission. His agenda encompasses green hydrogen and the energy transition, critical minerals, trade and investment, water management, scientific and academic cooperation, security, and the defence of the rules-based international order.
In this interview with Diplomat Magazine, Ambassador Bascuñán discusses the opportunities presented by the strategic partnership between Chile and the Netherlands, including the potential of the Port of Rotterdam as a gateway for Chilean clean energy exports to Europe, cooperation in critical minerals and technology, and new opportunities arising from the Chile–European Union Advanced Framework Agreement. He also shares his vision for strengthening cooperation in science, innovation, security and international law, while presenting Chile’s cultural diversity to Dutch audiences.
Diplomat Magazine: What are your priorities for strengthening the political, economic and cultural relationship between Chile and the Netherlands?
Ambassador Bascuñán:
I see my mission in the Netherlands as a facilitator to build a stronger partnership of mutual benefit between Chile and the Netherlands, grounded in shared democratic values, mutual respect, and increasingly aligned interests on the global stage. Rather than a one-directional relationship, I want to focus on areas where both countries bring genuine strengths to the table: climate change and the energy transition, where Dutch expertise in water management and renewable energy can complement Chile’s potential in green hydrogen, solar, and wind; Antarctic research, building on Chile’s role as a gateway to the continent and the Netherlands’ strong polar and marine research institutions among others.
I also intend to strengthen academic and educational ties through university partnerships, trying to promote research and exchanges in fields such as water engineering, agritech, astronomy, mining, and renewable energy, while deepening cooperation between Chile and the Netherlands as like-minded countries on security matters — for instance, exchanging experience and best practices in port security and logistics, given the importance of maritime trade to both nations.
In the cultural sphere, my goal is to present Chile as a distinct voice within Latin America, with a rich and vast cultural heritage that offers far more than what is already well known. Beyond the legacy of our Nobel laureates, I want to help bring forward new and original literary voices, as well as theater companies, musicians, and visual artists, whose distinct perspective, shaped by Chile’s own geography, history, and identity, can offer the Dutch public an authentic and fresh window into Chilean culture, building genuine cultural bridges between our two countries.
My overarching goal is for the political, economic, and cultural relationship between our two countries to continue growing in a way that reflects the full breadth of what Chile and the Netherlands can offer one another, guided always by dialogue, reciprocity, and a shared commitment to international cooperation.
DM: How can cooperation with the Netherlands and the Port of Rotterdam support Chile’s ambition to become a leading supplier of clean energy to Europe?
Ambassador Bascuñán:
Chile has implemented a Green Hydrogen strategy updated from 2026 to 2030, setting specific objectives. One of them is consolidating the export market, which includes strengthening international alliances (such as the maritime corridor with the Netherlands) to export green ammonia and synthetic fuels to Europe and Asia. There is also a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Energy and the Port of Rotterdam to establish a green hydrogen supply chain connecting Chile to Europe. The partnership with the Netherlands will be vital and a perfect complement: Chile will have ammonia and hydrogen in the future, and the Netherlands can offer its experience in logistics, storage, and distribution. This will probably be another successful case of cooperation in trade between the Netherlands and Chile.
The relationship between Chile and the Port of Rotterdam offers an exceptional opportunity to build a true clean energy corridor between our country and Europe. Chile’s participation in the 2026 World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam and the work carried out with Dutch public and private sector stakeholders demonstrate that this cooperation has entered a more mature phase, focused on the implementation and economic viability of the projects.
DM: How can Chile and the Netherlands cooperate on critical minerals through technology, investment, innovation, logistics and trade?
Ambassador Bascuñán:
First of all, cooperation will allow both countries to accomplish their main objectives: for the Netherlands, this alliance could reduce its dependence on a single provider by becoming an off-taker of Chilean critical materials, such as copper and lithium. For Chile, this partnership would allow us to add value to our process, supported by Dutch technology and innovation, and, as a result, participate more actively in global value chains related to these materials.
Having a strong European partner such the Netherlands on this matter will facilitate the incorporation for the best good practices and knowledge in the field of sustainability to Chilean mining and energy industries. Currently, there are a lot of opportunities for both countries related to investment, logistics and trade these strategics materials.
H.E. Hernán Bascuñán, Ambassador of Chile.
DM: What opportunities will the Advanced Framework Agreement create for Dutch businesses, investors and research institutions?
Ambassador Bascuñán:
In December 2023, Chile and the European Union signed the Advanced Framework Agreement (AFA) and, in parallel, an Interim Trade Agreement. While the AFA is pending ratification, the Interim Agreement is currently in force, allowing for the provisional application of the main trade commitments agreed upon. Once ratified, the Advanced Framework Agreement would cover approximately 99.6% of Chilean exports to the European Union, deepening market access and trade liberalization.
In this context, the Netherlands has established itself as one of the main destinations for Chilean exports in Europe. In 2025, it was the tenth largest destination for Chilean minerals, the fifth for Chilean manufactured goods, and the seventh for Chilean wines, reflecting the diversity and strength of bilateral trade.
Undoubtedly, signing the agreement will mean for the Netherlands a reliable access to a stable and predictable trading partner in Latin America; Improved opportunities for Dutch exporters and investors in sectors such as renewable energy, logistics, water management, agri-food, technology, healthcare, and financial services; better access to Chile’s strategic minerals, including lithium and copper, which are essential for Europe’s green and digital transitions.
Besides, this agreement would be a stronger gateway into South America, as Chile maintains one of the world’s largest networks of free trade agreements—enhanced cooperation in green hydrogen, sustainable ports, circular economy, and innovation ecosystems.
Finally, since Rotterdam is Europe’s largest port, the Netherlands also benefits from increased trade flows between Chile and the European market.
DM: How important are international institutions and the rules-based international order in addressing today’s global challenges?
Ambassador Bascuñán:
Indeed, I have had the privilege of representing my country in various multilateral forums and have witnessed first-hand the importance of multilateralism and respect for international law for global stability. Both are pillars that uphold the international system; undermining them causes significant harm to all states, but especially to small and medium-sized ones, which possess less individual agency.
The international system is certainly under pressure and facing big challenges. We are witnessing greater strategic competition, a proliferation of armed conflicts, challenges to multilateral cooperation, and, in some cases, attempts to reinterpret the principles and rules that have governed international relations for decades. But I do not think the answer is to abandon multilateralism. On the contrary, these circumstances make it even more necessary.
In that sense, at a time of particular tension within the international system—when, according to various geopolitical analysts, we are witnessing a rebalancing of global power—it is more important than ever to respect the principles governing relations between states, particularly multilateralism and respect for international law in order to guarantee a rules-based international order. These are fundamental principles of Chile’s foreign policy, regardless of the political affiliation of the government in office.
For a country like Chile, international law and multilateral institutions are not abstract concepts. They are essential instruments for ensuring that relations among states are based not simply on power, but also on rules, commitments and principles. The fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter—including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and the prohibition of the use of force—remain as relevant today as when they were established.
At the same time, defending the rules-based international order does not mean defending the statu quo in every respect. International institutions must be capable of adapting to new realities and responding more effectively to today’s challenges, whether they concern climate change, international security, pandemics, technological developments, or global economic instability. Multilateralism must deliver results if it is to maintain legitimacy.
For Chile, therefore, the choice is clear: we should continue to invest in multilateralism, strengthen international law, and work to make international institutions more effective, representative and responsive. In a world of growing uncertainty, a rules-based international order is not a constraint on diplomacy—it is one of the foundations that makes diplomacy possible.
DM: Which areas of scientific, technological and academic cooperation would you like to expand during your mission?
Ambassador Bascuñán:
In my view, Chile and the Netherlands present significant complementarities in scientific and technological cooperation. In water management, the Netherlands’ well-known expertise can contribute meaningfully to addressing Chile’s growing water-scarcity challenges, opening the way for joint pilot projects and technical exchanges in smart water technologies, desalination, and integrated water resource management. In agriculture, Dutch expertise in precision farming and greenhouse technology offers valuable lessons for Chile’s agricultural export sector, while Chile can share its own experience in viticulture and fruit production. Likewise, in sustainable technologies, Chile’s leadership in green hydrogen, lithium, and solar and wind energy pairs well with Dutch expertise in port logistics and energy infrastructure, opening the door to investment and joint projects in Chile’s energy transition.
I would like to focus on expanding academic and scientific cooperation through university partnerships, researcher exchanges, and joint programs in fields such as engineering, marine and Antarctic science and astronomy. Is important to acknowledge Chile hosts some of the world’s most advanced observatories and in the next few years this dimension will only grow in relevance Chile will host the International Astronomy Summit in 2030, when is expected that Chile will hold around 70% of the world astronomic observation capacity. Strengthening these institutional ties between universities and research centers in both countries would lay a solid and lasting foundation for innovation cooperation that generates concrete, real-world impact.
DM: What would you consider the most significant achievements of your tenure, and what message would you like to convey to the diplomatic community?
Ambassador Bascuñán:
In general terms, I would like to note that the Embassy made a concrete contribution to transforming a traditionally very positive bilateral relationship into an even more strategic, dynamic, and results-oriented partnership. First, by deepening the economic and trade relationship between our two countries. The Netherlands is a particularly important partner for Chile due to its position as a gateway to Europe, the strength of its logistics and port infrastructure, and its capacity for innovation. In this area, we will work to expand the portfolio of Dutch investments in Chile, create greater opportunities for our companies and entrepreneurs, and open new avenues for cooperation in strategic sectors such as critical minerals, renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, technology, and services. A particularly important objective will be to lead the enormous potential of green hydrogen into concrete projects.
Second, I would like to foster deeper bilateral cooperation in areas where the Netherlands has world-class expertise and capabilities and where Chile faces specific challenges. I am thinking in particular of water resource management, agriculture and food security, technological innovation, infrastructure, disaster prevention, and the energy transition. Cooperation on water issues, for example, already involves partnerships between Chilean and Dutch institutions such as Deltares, IHE Delft, and TU Delft, and serves as an excellent example of how diplomacy can lead to practical solutions for our citizens.
A third objective will be to strengthen the security dimension of our relationship. The government of President José Antonio Kast has made security one of the central pillars of its foreign policy, including the fight against transnational organized crime and international cooperation on security matters. In The Hague, we have a particularly valuable opportunity: the presence of Europol and Eurojust, as well as an extraordinary concentration of institutions related to international law and justice. Chile already has mechanisms for police and judicial cooperation with these institutions, and I would like to help ensure that these ties become increasingly operational and effective.
Precisely because we are here in The Hague, it is important to highlight Chile’s role as a country committed to the rule of law, international law, and multilateral institutions. The Embassy represents Chile before international courts and other international legal institutions. Our aspiration is for Chile to continue to be recognized as a serious, reliable, and constructive partner in the defense of peace, legal certainty, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Finally, I would like our Embassy to also serve as a meeting place for the Chilean community, students, researchers, professionals, and businesspeople who live or work in the Netherlands. Contemporary diplomacy is not built exclusively between governments; it is also built between societies, universities, businesses, research centers, and individuals. For this reason, strengthening these networks and projecting a modern, open, trustworthy, and competitive image of Chile will be an important part of our work.
In short, I would like us to be able to say, at the end of my term, that we have left behind a Chile–Netherlands relationship that is stronger in three areas: increased trade and investment, greater cooperation on security and knowledge, and greater convergence in defending the rules-based international order. All of this is framed within a pragmatic, results-oriented diplomacy that serves Chile’s enduring interests. In this context, the Netherlands is, for Chile, a natural partner in this effort. Today, diplomacy faces the challenge of showing, more than ever, its concrete value. We must be able to build trust, open up opportunities, anticipate risks, and turn good political relations into results that improve the lives of our citizens.
It is with deep concern that we note the latest actions announced by the Government of the United States against the President of the International Criminal Court and a Trial Lawyer working for the Office of the Prosecutor. These new actions, in addition to the earlier designations of the leadership of the Office of the Prosecutor and 8 judges of the International Criminal Court, are regrettable attempts to impede the Court and its personnel in the exercise of their mandated functions to investigate and adjudicate cases involving the worst crimes known to humanity.
This escalation by the US administration in the use of sanctions against the Court’s officials and staff risks undermining ongoing investigations and impeding global efforts aimed at ensuring accountability for and bringing justice to victims of the gravest crimes of concern to the international community as a whole. These sanctions erode the shared commitment to the rule of law, the fight against impunity, and the preservation of a rules-based international order.
We reiterate our full support for the Court, its officials, and all those who contribute to the fulfilment of its judicial mandate. We urge all States Parties and stakeholders in the Rome Statute system to remain steadfast in their commitment to upholding the principles of international justice and to stand united in support of the Court and the values enshrined in the Rome Statute.
The Assembly of States Parties is the management oversight and legislative body of the ICC. It is comprised of representatives of States that have ratified and acceded to the Rome Statute. The Presidency of the Assembly is currently composed of President Päivi Kaukoranta (Finland) and Vice-Presidents Michael Imran Kanu (Sierra Leone) and Margareta Kassangana (Poland).
The Hague — Iceland, a State Party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) since 2000, has made a voluntary contribution of €10,000 to the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV), reaffirming its commitment to international justice and the rights of victims of crimes under the Rome Statute.
The unrestricted contribution supports the TFV’s mandate to raise awareness of the plight of victims, mobilise resources for their benefit, and implement programmes addressing the physical, psychological and material needs of victims and affected communities. This work encompasses both ICC-ordered reparations and assistance programmes.
H.E. Kevin Kelly, Member of the Board of Directors of the TFV, said: “On behalf of the TFV Board of Directors, I wish to express my appreciation to Iceland for renewing its voluntary contribution to the Trust Fund for Victims. State contributions are absolutely essential in driving the work of the Fund and I implore States to enhance their support for reparative justice in this manner.”
H.E. Stefán Haukur Jóhannesson, Ambassador of Iceland to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, said: “Iceland is pleased to renew its support for the Trust Fund for Victims. As a longstanding State Party to the Rome Statute, we firmly believe that accountability for the gravest international crimes must go hand in hand with a victim-survivor oriented approach, emphasising the rights and agency of individuals involved. Through this contribution, Iceland reaffirms its commitment to international justice, the dignity and rights of victims, and the important work of the Trust Fund in helping individuals and communities rebuild their lives.”
Iceland has provided regular support to the TFV through voluntary contributions since 2021.
About the Trust Fund for Victims
Voluntary contributions to the TFV support the reparative mandate of the ICC by funding services and activities that provide recognition, commemoration and material support through rehabilitative programmes.
The TFV has called on States Parties and other entities to contribute to reparations for victims in urgent need, particularly in relation to the Ntaganda and Ongwen cases. The Fund’s annual programme funding target is a minimum of €10 million.
Contributions to the TFV qualify as Official Development Assistance (ODA)-eligible. Its programmes contribute to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including those relating to peace and justice, poverty reduction, health and well-being, gender equality, decent work, reduced inequalities and climate action.
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