Health and Hubris

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Health and Hubris

By Barend ter Haar. 

Which country has the world’s best health care? Is it the Netherlands, as stated by Ezekiel Emanuel in the New York Review of Books? Or is it the United Kingdom “followed closely by Australia and the Netherlands” as claimed by the Commonwealth Fund?

The United States, “which fails in almost every category”, dangles in both lists at the bottom, but, according to the Global Health Security Index, when it comes to preparedness for epidemics and pandemics, it comes first, followed by the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.

If these three countries were indeed better prepared for a pandemic than other countries, one would expect to see that reflected in the number of victims of the current pandemic. However, there are few countries in the Western world that have fared worse than these three.

Columbia University’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness estimated that at least 130,000 and possibly 210,000 fewer people would have died of the virus in the United States had the government acted earlier and better. With more than 46,000 deaths, the United Kingdom has the highest death toll in Europe, more than four times as high as that of Germany (which has more inhabitants).

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, an agency of the EU, the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the Netherlands during the last two weeks of October was 129,284, higher than the number of cases in that period in Canada, Cuba, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, China, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, Greece, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania combined.

How come the countries best prepared for a pandemic are doing so badly when a pandemic actually arrives? In an article in Nature, the American anthropologist Martha Lincoln suggests overconfidence and ‘exceptionalism’ as explanation.  Countries that consider themselves as something special will be less likely to learn from other nations and are therefore doomed to learn the hard way that the Covid-19 virus does not respect their special status.

“The pandemic”, she writes, “provides a natural experiment on the public-health effects of hubris”. Examples of such hubris are the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union and the withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization.

Does her diagnosis also apply to the Netherlands?  Were the Netherlands too confident that other countries could not teach her anything and therefore lost precious time in fighting the virus? The answer seems obvious.

Spain southbound, an initiatory journey

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Spain southbound, an initiatory journey

By Telmo Aldaz de la Quadra-Salcedo. Photos: Jose L. Cuesta

Translation from Spanish Carol Simonetti

It has been already 15 years going through Africa in this training project for Spanish-speaking young people from all over the world, which was born with the clear and firm objective of giving the opportunity to teenagers between 16 and 17 years old to live a practical training on different topics as international cooperation, volunteering, solidarity, sports, early business entrepreneurship, ecology; respect, environmental knowledge and research, knowledge of other cultures, the study of history on the ground and the very important lesson that knowing and living with missionaries, NGOs and people who give their lives to help those most in need represents.

All these objectives are achieved with the magic formula of travelling. Travel as a fundamental tool to promote all science, all art and all innovation. All civilizations have advanced and achieved unimaginable improvements thanks to that innate instinct in the human being to travel, to know and to investigate. The travel from the time of Homer, is the origin of known history and the engine of progress in any age.

ERS 2020. Dia de la despedida. Photography by Jose Cuesta.

ERS in its 2020 edition vindicates, more than ever, the classical and Homeric concept of travel as a basic expression of individual and collective Freedom. A necessary tool to achieve good progress. The illustrated journey that helps to change the soul, that helps discover at a crucial age what is our vocation, to know what we are good for and where is our place and role in the world.

On this occasion, given the international situation caused by the pandemic, for the first time we did not travel to Africa, but neither did we renounce this initiatory trip southward and we headed for almost ten very intense days to Andalusian lands of Seville, Huelva and Cádiz. With the aim of claiming travel, expedition and study as an inalienable expression of Freedom.

We title these days “In search of Atlantis”, a legend that comes from Plato to the present day in a city, a quasi-perfect civilization located in the confines of the known world; the Pillars of Hercules. A city that disappeared under the waters, which is unremittingly sought by philosophers, adventurers, archaeologists, historians as a salvific balm that heals the doubts, fears and uncertainties of declining civilizations.

ERS 2020 Marcha por el Coto de Do–ana. Photography by Jose Cuesta.

To maintain safety and responsibility, all of the almost 150 members of the expedition, and before leaving Madrid, a PCR test was carried out in laboratories endorsed by the ISO certificate, giving Negative in Covid-19. In addition, throughout the expedition a strict anti-Covid plan and protocol was maintained, coordinated with the health authorities of the Junta de Andalucía and for 24 hours a day by our medical team on the ground; Places in the open air, a mask, regular cleaning of hands …… Nature itself and the philosophy of the ERS way of traveling, that is, always sleeping in a bivouac in the open air, not being in closed places, living in a nomadic way in natural spaces, open and isolated, have favoured a successful prophylaxis against this bloody pandemic.

For more security at the end of the expedition, all approved serological tests (Elisa) were carried out, giving 100% of the expedition negative. This indicates that, following appropriate guidelines and protocols, activities can be carried out, if they are done in a responsible manner.

 Young people said goodbye to next year heading to the sister continent of Africa.

Without a doubt thanks to the Team, to the families and the young people who have been part of ERS 2020 in such harsh conditions, this expedition has been possible. They are an example for everyone.

From Extraction to Regeneration: The Tongan Solution to Global Sustainability

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From Extraction to Regeneration: The Tongan Solution to Global Sustainability

Co-authored by Prof. Philippe Forêt, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Brac University & Department of Social Sciences, University of Basel, Prof. Manfred Max Bergman, Department of Social Sciences, University of Basel, Carlos Álvarez Pereira, Club of Rome.

In the post Covid-19 world, climate change and biodiversity loss will remain pressing global challenges. Scientists have discussed in countless publications and conferences well-known risks to life, but their proposals for securing a future within “planetary boundaries” have until now not resulted in decisive and pragmatic responses by local governments. Could a simple yet compelling initiative endorsed by a small island state alter this situation, influence the highest levels of decision-making, and outline a vision of transformation and regeneration?

The climate crisis has severely impacted the fragile but uniquely rich environment of the Kingdom of Tonga. Cyclones, king tides, and rising sea levels have increased the demand for resilient constructions and infrastructures, and therefore for sand. The building industry of Tonga has however exhausted the sand reserves in a country whose beaches have been destroyed by recent cyclones. Offshore mining has accelerated land erosion and destroyed the sea bed of its main island, Tongatapu (Matangi Tonga News, 26 September 2020). Without sand, critical resilience projects, urban infrastructure, and rural roads are at risk, and lifelines to outer islands and villages may be lost.

If a substitute for sand becomes available, the Governor of Vava’u, Lord Fakatulolo, believes he can stop illegal mining and protect the environment of a paradise for biodiversity and eco-tourism. At the Tonga High Commission in London, First Secretary Viliami Lolohea may have found a solution to this challenge. He realized that sand depletion was a security issue when he attended the Advanced Security Cooperation course at the D.K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu. A delegation from New Caledonia then called his attention to 25 million tons of nickel mining waste stockpiled outside Nouméa.

Ferronickel slag or Sland could indeed replace sand, reclaim land, protect harbors, and be turned into bricks for resilient buildings. The Tonga High Commissioner in London, Her Excellency The Honourable Fanetupouvava’u Tu’ivakano, has given her full support to this solution: “This is a unique and innovative project that aligns with the SDGs and His Majesty King Tupou VI’s vision as addressed to the United Nations General Assembly in September 2019. It will have a profound and lasting impact in the lives of the people of Tonga and the Pacific.”

Launched in September 2019 by the Club of Rome at the UN Climate Action Summit, the Planetary Emergency Plan has inspired Viliami’s creation of a Non-Governmental Organization. The NGO “Royal Lalanga Fononga[1]” (“The Weaving of Our Journey”) will deliver Sland-based products to the small-island states that join Viliami’s initiative. By shipping Sland that will be locally processed, the governments of Tonga and New Caledonia plan to promote island-to-island cooperation, a circular local economy, and sustainable development in the South Pacific. 

The list of participants invited to the Planetary Emergency Plan event underscores a fundamental shift in the geography of power in the 21st century. Solutions for a new deal for people, nature and climate may come from Costa Rica, Monaco, Bhutan, and Fiji — nations that Tonga would consider peers. If Tonga can successfully mitigate some of its vulnerability to climate change, we may feel optimistic about the rebuilding of an equitable world that would be founded on human and ecological well-being. Viliami’s Sland bricks make a powerful case for immediate and practical actions that protect the global commons, that transform the mining industry, and that secure long-term benefits to endangered and isolated communities.

1] Trademark under registration process 

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Tonga picture by Darren Rice.

L’Académie de droit international de La Haye

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L’Académie de droit international de La Haye

Par Jean-Marc Thouvenin, Secrétaire général de l’Académie de droit international de La Haye. Membre associé de l’Institut de Droit International.

Dans le cadre de mes fonctions de Secrétaire général de l’Académie de droit international de La Haye, j’ai la chance de rencontrer de nombreux ambassadeurs et ambassadrices. Je saisis l’occasion qui m’est offerte par Diplomat Magazine pour mettre par écrit, et en français, ce que j’aime à leur dire de l’Académie.

Par nature, l’activité diplomatique est d’une grande richesse. À La Haye, ce qui la caractérise est la prégnance d’un de ses plus beaux fruits, à la fois fragile et fondamental, le droit international. Fruit de la diplomatie d’hier, pleine de la sagesse des hommes et femmes qui, après avoir connu la guerre, nous ont légué de formidables institutions fondées sur des règles et principes de droit. De la diplomatie d’aujourd’hui, gonflée de l’impérieuse ambition de régler au mieux les défis du monde contemporain, et qui travaille sans relâche à poser les principes et textes de droit qui y contribuent. Les étudiants de l’Académie savent bien la noblesse comme la difficulté de cette tâche, puisque les ambassadeurs et ambassadrices en poste à La Haye acceptent, et l’Académie leur en est vivement reconnaissante, de leur ouvrir généreusement les portes de leurs ambassades afin de les rencontrer et de leur expliquer leur quotidien.

Le Palais de la Paix constitue le centre de gravité du droit international. Il symbolise son histoire, les espoirs que l’on place en lui, et s’offre comme le siège de son application comme de son adaptation aux nouveaux enjeux. En son sein, deux cours internationales règlent les différends internationaux en appliquant le droit international. Quant à l’Académie qui y a également son siège, elle est le lieu par excellence où, depuis presqu’un siècle, le droit international se discute, se théorise, s’enseigne, et s’apprend.

Inaugurée en juillet 1923 sous les auspices du Gouvernement néerlandais et en présence des représentants des États, de la Société des Nations, des grandes institutions internationales, du monde universitaire et judiciaire, ainsi que de la presse de tous les pays, l’Académie n’a cessé depuis lors d’œuvrer à l’enseignement, à l’étude, à la diffusion et à une compréhension plus large du droit international sous tous ses aspects, aussi bien public que privé.

C’est ce qui explique l’engouement des juristes et diplomates du monde entier pour ses sessions de cours. Tant et si bien que l’Académie a développé de nouveaux programmes : des cours d’hiver s’ajoutant désormais aux cours d’été ; des cours spéciaux à la demande des États désireux d’offrir à leurs juges ou autres talents une mise à jour sur un aspect du droit international ; un cours spécial réservé aux diplomates sur le règlement judiciaire des différends.

Héritage du temps passé, l’Académie est pleinement « dans son temps » – face à la pandémie, elle donnera ses cours de l’hiver 2021 en ligne. Elle est toujours unique en son genre, en particulier parce que son œuvre est étroitement liée à celle de la diplomatie. Au demeurant, de nombreux ambassadeurs et ambassadrices ont donné des conférences à l’Académie. Son objectif est encore à ce jour, comme l’affirmait son Curatorium dans le Bulletin de 1923, de « créer et entretenir une bienfaisante influence », en mettant en contact « dans un commerce scientifique quotidien, les représentants des diverses écoles nationales [afin qu’ils parviennent] à mieux comprendre les raisons des divergences doctrinales et pratiques des autres pays. Leurs points de vue particularistes finiront par faire place à une conception commune, internationale. En même temps, il s’établira entre eux des rapports personnels, qui développeront des sentiments réciproques d’estime et d’amitié. …. Ils contribueront à la formation d’une mentalité internationale qui, correspondant à l’interdépendance économique des peuples, sera la véritable garantie de la paix ».

Le Curatorium des premiers temps pouvait « compte[r] sur le bienveillant appui des Gouvernements ». C’est encore le cas de nos jours, et les diplomates de La Haye en sont vivement remerciés. Puisque nous avons encore tant à faire, on pourrait songer qu’il serait pertinent d’amplifier ce soutien, encore plus crucial aujourd’hui qu’hier, comme l’Assemblée générale des Nations Unies y invite chaque année les États (A/RES/74/185 du 18 décembre 2019, par. 24).

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La photographe est Marieke Wijntjes

American Ambassadors Explore the Netherlands and Bring Goodwill to all 12 Dutch Provinces – Op de Fiets

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American Ambassadors Explore the Netherlands and Bring Goodwill to all 12 Dutch Provinces – Op de Fiets

Two Ambassadors, 12 provinces, and over 650 kilometres in one week. U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands Pete Hoekstra completed Friday a one-week bicycle tour of the Netherlands. Ambassador Hoekstra was joined by the U.S. Permanent Representative to the OPCW, Ambassador Ken Ward. Their goal: visit each of the country’s 12 provinces.  

“This year would have been my 5th time participating in the Fietselfstedentocht. When it was cancelled, we realized that it presented a unique opportunity to get on the bike and try to visit an even larger area of the country,” Hoekstra said.  

An avid cyclist known for posting photos from his rides, Ambassador Hoekstra used his Twitter account to solicit ideas of places and sites to visit from people across the Netherlands. Dozens of people replied in his Twitter comments. 

Using those suggestions, the Embassy crafted a 650 kilometer route through each of the Netherlands’ provinces. The seven-day trek was part of the U.S. Embassy’s #EchteVrienden initiative to reach out to Dutch citizens from all walks of life, and a variety of backgrounds.  

Both Ambassadors enjoyed seeing more of the Netherlands, meeting up with their social media audience, and connecting with local officials along the way.

Jean-Paul PJ Horsch and Ambassador Pete Hoekstra.

“This year would have been my 5th time participating in the Fietselfstedentocht. When it was cancelled, we realized that it presented a unique opportunity to get on the bike and try to visit an even larger area of the country,” Hoekstra said.  

With travel and meeting opportunities more difficult in the time of COVID, a bike tour framed around Dutch history, culture, and sights was the perfect way to strengthen the U.S. connections with people from across the country. 

Ambassador Ken Ward and Ambassador Hoekstra.

“All good things must come to an end. Our 12-province, 7-day, 700km journey ended today in picturesque Sint Philipsland in Zeeland. The windmill that saw off so many Dutch headed to America welcomed some American (and Dutch) riders today.”

Visit Oman

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Visit Oman

European tourists adore exploring the Sultanate of Oman. Annually Oman attracts a large number of Dutch tourists. Oman is distinguished by its beautiful beaches, golden sands and its majestic mountains. Oman also combines originality and modernity and thanks to the Renaissance, many projects have been realized, including modern roads, high-end hospitals and elegant hotels spread across the Sultanate. Several entertainment programs are adapted and adjusted to the tourists needs and expectations as diving, mountains climbing, desert cars racing and also camel racing.

It is not surprising to see four-star hotels in the middle of the desert, fascinating lovers of nature and adventure. The tourist finds everything he loves, a sea, a mountain and a desert. On top of the natural beauty we should not forget the traditional souks as in Mutrah and Nizwa with their silvery handicrafts and all kind of souvenirs which charms the visitors. Souks are filled with spices, frankincense coming out of beautiful burners. There is the taste of sugar cane, coconut and strong Arabian coffee.

Visit Oman

We are convinced that any visitor of the Sultanate longs to return back not only because of the beauty of the country and its fascinating landscapes but also because of the warmth of the reception and the openness and generosity of the Omanis. Omani hospitality begins with a friendly handshake and a nice big warm smile and knows absolutely no boundaries when it comes to winning hearts. Your trip will be truly memorable.

Home to immense mountains, dramatic coasts and desert oases, tourists can experience completely diverse landscapes all in one country.

Oman is unique in its greatly contrasting landscapes, we are absolutely convinced and sure that all these great opportunities to live and experiment are not to be missed and will be revived after these very difficult pandemic times.

Edith Bergansius celebrated 100th Anniversary of the Asociación Hispánica de La Haya

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Edith Bergansius celebrated 100th Anniversary of the Asociación Hispánica de La Haya

In the picture the Minister Counsellor from Panama, Armonia Belchieur, Edith Bergansius, the Ambassador of Chile, H.E. María Teresa de Jesús Infante Caffi and the Ambassador of Uruguay, H.E. Laura Dupuy Lasserre.

One hundred years of Hispanism in The Hague were celebrated by a group of important supporters of Edith Bergansius’ outstanding commitment towards the Spanish language and the promotion of the Spanish speaking countries’ literature and history.  

Bergansius, Chair of the Asociación Hispánica de La Haya since 2006, described during her extemporaneous speech the history of the association from its outset as the Holland-Spain Association. It was created on 30 October 1920 in the aftermath of the Great War to support the sister association that had been created in Madrid, which was Holland-Spain. There were 37 influential people in The Netherlands who supported the creation of the association composed by 2 women and 35 men. Seven years later the group started to divided into different Spanish associations first in Amsterdam, followed by Groningen, Rotterdam, Utrech, and others.  

After the war in 1947, it was decided to change the name of the association since Latin America began to become more prominent due to commercial exchanges, especially through Shell deals. It was finally called the Associación Hispánica de La Haya. Now with nearly 200 members they are the oldest as well as largest Hispanic association in The Netherlands.  

We can say that during that last 13 years of Bergansius’ presidency every Spanish speaking country contributed to the association with one, or many cultural events based in the literature, the history, and other aspect of their culture.  

The symbolic event with a very limited guests owing to the ongoing pandemic restrictions was held at Carlton Ambassador’s Hotel in the presence of the Ambassador of Uruguay, H.E. Laura Dupuy Lasserre; the Ambassador of Chile, H.E. María Teresa de Jesús Infante Caffi; the Minister Counsellors from Panama; Armonia Belchieur; from Ecuador, Fernando Echevarria; from Nicaragua, Sherly Noguera; Counsellors in charge of Cultural Affairs of the embassies of Spain, Luis Tejero González; Mexico; Jorge Delgado; Consul de Argentina, Juna Ignacio; El Salvador, Susana Patricia Azucena Mancia; diplomats from Colombia, Peru.  

From the heart of the Asociación Hispánica de La Haya, the accountant Xander Nootenboom, the secretary Monstserrat Barbera Poix, and the Webmaster Peggy Booig attended. Elvira Bergansius, a lawyer and only child of Edith proudly attended the intimate event with her partner.  

Edith Bergansius is a major point of reference for the Spanish language and culture community in The Hague, and she is also a key partner to embassies of Spanish-speaking countries, thanks to her engagement in promoting the Spanish language and the culture by organizing countless cultural events attended by hundreds of guests.  

Diplomat Magazine congratulates the Hispanic Association for its 100th anniversary and wishes Edith Bergansius many years of success.   

Ambassador Predescu received Certificate of Merit

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Ambassador Predescu received Certificate of Merit
To mark the anniversary of 140 years of diplomatic relations between The Netherlands and Romania, and in the context of the official visit to The Netherlands of H.E. Mr. Bogdan Aurescu, Romanian Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ms. Brândușa Ioana Predescu, Ambassador of Romania in The Hague received a Certificate of Merit in recognition of her outstanding contribution to strengthening Romania’s bilateral ties vis-à-vis the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Particularly promoting strategic diplomatic engagement, her significant involvement with international organizations, her exceptional performance during the Romania’s presidency of the EU, her support to the Dutch and Romanian communities and in gratitude for her support to the diplomatic community and the media. 

In times of restrictions, the symbolic ceremony took place in from of the commemorative plaque dedicated to the memory of the Romanian diplomat Prince Constantin Karadja, born in The Hague in 1889 and in presence of Minister Aurescu and diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania and the Embassy of Romania in The Hague. 

After a successful completion of four years of a brilliant mission in The Hague, product of tireless efforts to make the voice of Romania heard in the international scenario, the presence and positive influence of Romania grew in every international organization notably OPCW, ICC, ICJ, Eurojust, Europol among others, her cultural program was all about quality and variety reaching out every segment of the Dutch society. 

Graduated in Diplomacy and Defence; Predescu started her career as Member of the staff of the Office of the Prime Minister of Romania, followed by a position in the Foreign Affairs Ministry advisory team, from there Ambassador Predescu has been working as a diplomat in the foreign service of Romania for 27 years. During her distinguished diplomatic career, she has served in various diplomatic capacities abroad, both in the bilateral embassies and in permanent missions to international organizations in Vienna, Strasbourg, Berlin, München and Istanbul. While in the Foreign Ministry, she held different positions as head of the directorate for human rights and international organizations (OSCE, Council of Europe, human rights related UN agencies), the directorate for North America, the directorate for Western Balkans, the press and communication department acting at the same time as spokesperson of the Ministry. 

She is a graduate of the University of Bucharest, Faculty of Philology, Department of Germanic Studies and of the Vienna Diplomatic Academy. She is also alumni of the Hertie School of Governance of Berlin. Besides Romanian, she is fluent in English, German, French and Dutch.  In The Netherlands Ambassador Predescu was an Elected member on behalf of Romania in the Bureau of the Assembly of State Parties to the Rome Statute (ASP – ICC), Co-facilitator on behalf of Romania (together with Australia) of the working group on complementarity of the ASP-ICC and Member in the Bureau of the Group of Francophone Countries in The Hague. 

She presented her Letters of credence to HM King Willem-Alexander on 24 August 2016.  Ambassador Predescu’s ability to shortening distance, made everyone feel as personal friends. Her energy and enormous capabilities as a diplomat, her passionate and self-motivated personality will be missing. Diplomat Magazine wishes her the continuation of her brilliant career and future success in her professional and personal life.   
 
Certificate of Merit – Ceremony of Merit- Farewell ceremony

Meeting Kateryna Denysova, the next generation of diplomatic offspring

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Meeting Kateryna Denysova, the next generation of diplomatic offspring

Kateryna Denysova. Photography by Staccato.

Bright, reflexive, more mature than her age, with an extraordinary sense of duty mixed with a highly open personality: Kateryna Denysova, like other sons and daughters of diplomats, really sees the world differently. We met her in The Hague, where her father is posted and where she works as a volunteer in Diplomat Magazine’s Junior Team. This is her story, directly in her words.

Hello! I am Kateryna. I’ve been born and raised in Ukraine, although at the age of 12 I moved to the United States with my parents. It was my first experience living abroad and I have to say that it was fantastic! I got an opportunity to explore another culture and meet different people. I have always been interested in observing how I can adapt to a new setting, which I also plan to keep on doing in the future. 

Now that I’m a student, I still can’t imagine my life without exploring new countries. Thus, because of my deep interest in the dynamic nature of the international environment, I chose to enroll in the BA International Studies at Leiden University. Since then, The Netherlands has become my third home. Here there are so many cultures coming together, both in the academic and in the social environment, that you are always stimulated and inspired. 

Living in several countries gave me a lot of valuable experience in communicating with people from different cultural backgrounds. What fascinates me the most is learning new languages to be able to communicate with others freely. Therefore, during my stay in the United States, I was able to improve my language skills not only in English, but also in French and Spanish. Currently, in The Netherlands, I’m also learning Dutch with the help of my friends who are native speakers.  

Along with my studies, I volunteer in an NGO where I help to establish communications between government officials and the local community. This is a great opportunity to make a difference in the world, even if it is a small contribution. Fascinated by international affairs, in the future I would like to pursue my career in international organizations with a focus on communications and public affairs. 

Best of luck for your future enterprises, Kateryna!

Europe has not surrendered

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Europe has not surrendered

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s response to George Soros.

MTI-OS – Budapest, December 13, 2020

George Soros is shedding crocodile tears. While this will not return the money that the speculator has stolen from millions of people, families and businesses, it does provide some modest satisfaction. The most corrupt man and network in the world has good reason to be disappointed. Europe has not surrendered; Soros’ grandiose plan has been suspended by the European Council. The spotlight is now on budget resources, the recovery fund, and who has access to what and how.  We live in a materialistic world, whether we like it or not, which is why the Union’s funds have so far been kept under strict European supervision by multiple parties in all Member States. The issue here is about something else.

Who will govern Europe in the future? That’s what was really at stake at last week’s meeting. Will Europe be governed by the governments elected by the citizens of Member States and their council, or will Soros succeed in building a new power structure? A network of NGOs disseminating liberal, post-national and post-Christian ideas, along with the mainstream left-wing and right-wing media conveying and reinforcing their ideas; a significant group of MEPs; the Soros envoys brought to the Commission; and a so-called rule of law mechanism linking them all together.

The plan is as simple as it is grandiose. A Soros financial center funding thousands of NGOs, research institutes, analytical workshops and activists who influence the direction of mainstream media. It buys up and links a critical mass of MEPs and puts the people who work for him in key positions at the Commission, such as Timmermans and Jourova. Finally, they push through a piece of legislation that sets political preconditions – gender, migration, an open society, liberal democracy – for Member States to have access to EU funds.

Countries that insist on their national sovereignty, Christian roots and traditional family model, such as Poland and Hungary, must be strung up in this carefully devised noose. And the reluctant, like the better-off Central European countries and the recalcitrant Scandinavians, must be relegated to perform public penance to better understand the essence of liberal reasoning.

Fortunately, at the last minute, European governments came to their senses. They read the country reports on the rule of law, which György Soros and Frans Timmermans dictated to Ms. Jourova. Suddenly, everyone understood that the verdict had already been handed down before the trial and that other trials would take place after Hungary and Poland.

The decision of the European Council last week was an open declaration of opposition to György Soros’ attempt to take power. Political issues cannot be linked to financial issues, subjective criteria cannot be the basis for financial decisions, and the legal procedure laid down in the Treaty of the European Union cannot be circumvented Soros-style. The European Union has maintained its unity and won.

George Soros lost. It would be time for Europeans to finally send him home to America. There is no explanation as to why we Europeans tolerate an American speculator building and buying an EU system of influence with American money. Until European leaders take this last step, we will have to face attempts by him and his people to seize power over and over again. The migration and gender action plans from the Soros workshop are already on the table. It’s high time to put an end to George Soros’ European joy ride.

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