By Guido Lanfranchi.Speaking with the press ahead of the November 11th elections in eastern Ukraine, Ambassador Kurt Volker, US. Special Representative for Ukraine, declared such elections as “wholly illegitimate.” In the same context, he announced a new round of US. sanctions against Russia over the country’s involvement in Ukraine.
On November 8th, 2018, just a few days ahead of the November 11th elections in eastern Ukraine, the United States State Department decided to update the press on the situation in the country. Ambassador Kurt Volker, US. Special Representative for Ukraine, updated the press on Ukraine’s dire humanitarian situation, on the elections in the east, and on a new set of US. sanctions against Russia over its involvement in Ukraine.
Ambassador Volker started by expressing the strong opposition of the United States towards the November 11th elections in the so-called Luhansk and Donetsk People’s Republics. Such elections – he claimed – are “wholly illegitimate”, as they do not comply with the Ukrainian constitution nor with the Minsk agreements. While reminding that elections are indeed part of the Minsk roadmap, Mr. Volker stressed that this process should unfold in a safe and free environment. Such conditions – he stressed – are currently far from being achieved in eastern Ukraine.
In order to achieve the conditions necessary to implement the Minsk agreements, Ambassador Volker reiterated the US. proposal for a UN-mandated peacekeeping force, which would be tasked with creating security in the regions. Ambassador Volker “urged the Russian side to give serious consideration” to the US. proposal. However, as Russia demands a mission focused solely on the protection of OSCE observers, the position of the actors remain rather distant.
In a bid to increase pressure on Russia – Mr. Volker announced – the US. is set to impose a new round of sanctions. These new measures will target three individuals and nine entities accused either of contributing to Russia’s efforts to annex Crimea, or of committing serious human rights abuses in Russian-controlled areas. While the US. has long claimed that Russia has control over the occupied regions, Ambassador Volker stressed that these new sanctions are the first measures officially recognizing such understanding.
As the negotiations remain stalled, the situation on the ground continues to be extremely dire – Ambassador Volker noted with concern. The conflict in Ukraine has already killed more than 10,000 people and has left 3.4 million civilians in urgent need of assistance. Ukrainian people in the occupied regions suffer from physical violence, food and water scarcity, health issues, as well as a lack of freedom. However, such humanitarian catastrophe “can be ended” – Mr. Volker stressed – namely by creating peace and security and implementing the Minsk agreements.
Negotiations will thus continue, with the ultimate aim of improving the lives of the people of eastern Ukraine, who unfortunately remain the real victims of the conflict.
On the picture Évora, capital of Alentejo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.By Catherine Dailey.
During a gala black tie event held in the Pátio da Galéon western side of the Comércio Square in Lisbon a little more than a month ago, Portugal was honored with the “World’s Leading Tourist Destination 2018” award by the World Travel Awards. The event, one of the world’s most prestigious tourism and travel events in the industry, marked the end of the organization’s Silver Jubilee Grand Tour.
During the December 1, 2018 awards ceremony, Turismo de Portugal received two “World Travel Awards.” The first was the “World’s Leading Tourist Board 2018”and the second was for the “World’s Leading Tourism Authority Website 2018.” A complete list of both the “World”and “European” awards presented to Portugal, the Portuguese Ministry of Tourism, Tap Airways and various Portuguese resorts and hotels recognized during the awards ceremony can be found here.
Portugal, a country with approximately 10.5 million inhabitants, welcomed some 12.7 million visitors in 2017. The figures set a new record which significantly contributed to the nation’s strongest economic growth since 2000. Revenues from Portugal’s tourism and travel related industries account for nearly 10% of the country’s GDP, which expanded by 2.7% in 2018 to a 17 year high.
Last year, Portugal was also recognized as the “The friendliest country in the world for expats” in an Inter-Nations survey which was widely reported in the media last spring. With the holiday season behind us, and eight to ten weeks of inclement weather ahead, now is an opportune time to plan a trip to Portugal. The country enjoys an average of 300 days and 3,000 hours of sunshine per year and the flight time to the sun is just under three hours!
This coming Thursday, the “Vakantiebeurs” opens. It is the largest consumer vacation expo devoted to travel and tourism in the Netherlands and one of the largest in Europe. Last year more than 100,000 visitors attended the four day event which will be held at the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht, from January 10-13.Visit the show and learn more about the world’s leading tourist destination and other travel opportunities during the coming year.
Some 1,071 international exhibitors, including 63 tour operators, travel agencies, resort properties and campgrounds specializing in Portuguese holidays, will be participating. Official tourist offices from both the “Center of Portugal” and the “Alentejo” regions will also be exhibiting. The show offers a unique opportunity for first time visitors to Portugal to speak directly with knowledgeable experts about a “citybreak” or “crocusvakantie” (winter holiday) trip in the regions.
Alentejo, a geographically diverse and sparsely populated area about the size of Belgium, comprises nearly one third of the country’s land area on the Iberian peninsula and has just 750,000 inhabitants. It begins just 180 km south of Lisbon and can best be explored by rental car over a period of days. Some of Europe’s finest beaches, still largely unknown to outsiders, are to be found along Alentejo’s wild Vincentina Coast.
Évora, settled during the Roman times, is the capital of Alentejo and is known as the “Museum city.” The historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The district extends from the west, to the plains of Evora and beyond to the picturesque village of Monsaraz overlooking Alqueva Lake. It was created by an arch dam, completed in 2002, on the River Guadiana. The Alqueva Dam provides both recreational opportunities for water sports and much needed water for irrigated crops, including vast plantings of new vineyards.Portugal’s border with Spain also runs through parts of one of Europe’s largest artificial lakes, which is also known to the Portuguese as “El Grande Lago.”
In recognition, the World’s Leading Tourist Destination 2018 having been awarded to Portugal, we will be publishing a series of monthly articles, beginning with Alentejo, to showcase the varied offerings for cultural, historic, active, religious, gastronomical, adventure and family tourism in the world’s friendliest country for expats – Portugal!
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For additional information:https://www.worldtravelawards.com/
https://www.worldtravelawards.com/winners/2018/world
For more information about Portugal: www.visitportugal.com + www.flytap.com
Inheritance of the 2018 transformative trends affecting 2019
The main transformative trends in 2018 that will affect next year will concern at least the following three different global and interconnected sectors: Economic & Financial Area; Security; Dismantling of the Old World Order.
Economic & Financial Area
Regarding the economic and financial area, it will be necessary to monitor the growing importance of advanced technologies and their applications in the production cycles of the most industrial nations. In the next year, we will face a sort of rationalization of these production processes that will profoundly change the evolution of the current social equilibrium within nations and also the relations between states and large financial organizations.
According to some analytical studies, a third of US workforce (about 50 million people) could be transformed by 2020. Furthermore, we will witness the explosion of new markets based on the technological needs of the elderly and the disabled people. We will also face the increase of cryptocurrencies. The knowledge and management of new technologies – ICT, AI, blockchain. 3D printing mainly – will constitute the challenge of the next decade between the major world powers and the main investment groups.
Security
The impact of the advanced technologies on geostrategic decisions will increase. The new technologies will contribute to impressing, in 2019, a decisive turning point in what we can define henceforth as a new global revolution in military affairs. The military-industrial-financial complexes of the major world powers will undergo a complete transformation starting from 2019.
Dismantling of the Old World Order
Another important trend that will affect the global level concerns the dismantling of the old world order based on the criteria of multilateralism. In 2019, we will witness the weakening of large global organizations such as the UN and the reorganization of multilateral consultations regarding international trade, climate issues and regulations on the use of new technologies. This will happen for two main reasons. The first is due to the growing presence and importance of global players of nations like China, Russia, and India, who obviously try to implement their 360 degree spheres of influence, even outside the old institutions born in the so-called bipolar era, when the destinies of the world were substantially decided in Moscow and Washington. The second reason is due to the putting into practice of the “Trump Doctrine,” which, over the past two years, has placed a particularly bilateral strategy on U.S. foreign policy, upsetting the old equilibria.
2019: Key Geopolitical ChallengesEuropean Union
A very important transformative trend will concern the European Union. 2018 has been a very critical year for the EU, both on the economic level, but above all on the political and social ones. 2019 will be a year in which the fate of the “European Common House” will be decided.
As a consequence of the neopopulist waves and the so-called sovereignist ones that marked the social and political life of the Europeans during 2017-2018, most likely, the elections for the renewal of the European Parliament will reward the anti-European parties. 2019 will therefore be a very unstable year for the economy and politics of the European Union. Regarding Europe’s role at global level, we have to consider that the contentious relations between the U.S. and China as well as with Russia will impact the European Union in 2019.
For different and divergent aspects, the U.S., Russia, and China have an interest in weakening the European Union.
For the U.S., with Europe in the grip of a political, economic, and financial identity crisis, this situation would allow Washington to “manage” the U.S. economic recovery, especially now that the traditional British ally, thanks to Brexit, is released from the obligations that tied it to Brussels. Moreover, at a geostrategic level, the continuing European crisis allows the U.S. to gain time in making costly decisions and responsibilities in financial terms in the theatres of North Africa and the Middle East.
For Russia, the issue is more delicate and problematic. A weak European Union, according to the Kremlin, would be more malleable in relation to the Ukrainian issue and the sanctions regime that has influenced the Russian economy since 2014. But this could be true, for the short term. In fact, a European Union weakened in the medium and long term would be at the mercy of the strategic interests of the U.S., since the EU is the eastern periphery of the U.S. geopolitical system, built at the end of the Second World War. Ultimately, in the absence of a political EU, the true European “glue” would consist only of NATO’s military-diplomatic device: something that Moscow certainly should not wish.
A fragmented Europe, unable to have a coherent and unitary policy of infrastructural development, does not realistically have the useful force to negotiate – on the basis of equal geopolitical dignity – with China on the great project of the New Silk Road. For this reason, at the moment, a weak Europe is convenient for China. For Beijing it is easier and cheaper to negotiate with individual EU countries and, in some cases, even with regional administrations. Moreover, the absence of a truly European foreign policy allows China to operate in Africa without real competitors, apart from the U.S. and Russia.
Asia
The main geopolitical challenges in Asia will concern relations between the U.S., Japan, and China. Tokyo, although in line with U.S. policies, could be a point of mediation between the different positions of Washington and Beijing.
On the geostrategic level, Washington will have to follow up on the initiatives launched in 2018 with Pyongyang for a complete normalization of relations. It will be a bumpy route, because the conflicting interests of the U.S. and the People’s Republic of China remain in the background of the North Korean issue.
Another very controversial issue about the relations between the U.S. and China will concern Tibet. In particular, in the first months of 2019 Beijing and Washington will have to find a mediation in reference to the effects of the “Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act” (signed by President Trump at the end of 2018) that promotes the access to Tibet of U.S. diplomats, journalists and citizens and denies U.S. visas to Chinese officials considered responsible for blocking access to Tibet.
Another issue that will have considerable geopolitical impacts at regional and global levels is related to the Chinese project of the New Silk Road. Beijing – in order to achieve its objectives – will consolidate its relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation.
U.S.-China trade tensions impact
During 2018, the Trump administration has conducted a real trade war against China. In the next year this war will be in a certain way perfected. We have already had warnings of such kind: the arrest of MengWanzhou, chief financial officer and daughter of founder of high-tech giant Huawei, constitutes an example of the escalation of the U.S.-China tensions. The tensions between the U.S. and China are not just commercial, but strategic. The U.S. and China compete for technological supremacy. This strategic confrontation will affect the entire global system, impacting the worldwide financial system and determining choices of field between the various countries of the globe.
North Africa, Near and Middle East
In North Africa (particularly in Libya), Moscow’s stabilizing function is destined to grow in importance.
In 2019, we will witness a rearrangement of forces within the quadrants of the Near and Middle East. Despite the Kashoggi affair, the United States will strengthen its ties with Saudi Arabia and will target the new Israeli government to counter Iran’s presence.
The geopolitical and strategic dynamics concerning the area, however, will be affect by the increasing influence of the Russian Federation, Iran and Turkey in the course of the next year.
Central and South America
Although the US has regained some positions in South America, the Chinese presence and, partially also the Russian one, in the area will produce effects on the hegemonic attempt of the Trump Administration. The issue of migration is destined to play an increasing crucial role in Trump’s Central American policy.
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About the author : Tiberio Graziani is the Chairman of Vision & Global Trends International Institute for Global Analyseswww.vision-gt.eu
The newly elected President of Costa Rica, one of the world’s youngest heads of state, 38-year-old former journalist Mr. Carlos Alvarado, has vowed to fully decarbonise the country’s economy and makes it the first carbon-neutral nation in the world by 2021, on the 200th anniversary of its independence.
“Decarbonisation is the great task of our generation and Costa Rica must be one of the first countries in the world to accomplish it, if not the first,” Alvarado said in his inauguration speech of 2018. “We have the titanic and beautiful task of abolishing the use of fossil fuels in our economy to make way for the use of clean and renewable energies.”
Many commentators interpreted this as a decision to ban fossil fuels. Not quite true.
Costa Rica does not have a legislation in place to restricting the use of fossil fuels, nor does its constituency plan to. However, it stepped up its ambition in reducing its share to the negative, climate change –related global ecological footprint.
Its Minister of Environment and Energy, Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, plans to alter the country’s PEM (Primary Energy Mix) by gradually decarbonising it, but also by planting forests, employing better land management, and by the forthcoming carbon sequestration technologies.
Aiming for carbon neutrality by ambitiously set 2021, the tiny Central American state is signalling it wants to beat bigger, more developed and wealthier countries to environmental glory. The UK and much of Scandinavia targets the 2050 as the year of zero net emissions. Germany hoped for the 95% reduction by a year of 2020, but is most probably to miss it.
Costa Rica’s climate change started with its leaders change “Our crisis cannot be environmental… deep and structural, this must be a crisis of our cognitivity. Thus, the latest Climate Change (CC) Report is only seemingly on Climate. It is actually a behavioristic study on (the developmental dead end of) our other ‘CC’ – competition and confrontation, instead of cooperation and consensus.” – warns prof. Anis H. Bajrektarevic, and concludes: “Cognitive mind can do it all.”
Well, Costa Rica has it on its grasp: Home to less than 5 million people, it has long played above its weight on the climate change policy formulation, norm setting and instrument formulations as well as on implementation policies and practical actions. Nation has produced echelons of leaders in all generational cohorts who have promoted vigorous and progressive environmental policies at home and on the international stage.
Former President José María Figueres served the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s Advisory Group on Climate Change and Energy. His younger sister, Christiana Figueres, chaired the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the UN block that convened the 2015 Paris climate agreement – a most important instrument after FCCC’s Kyoto Protocol.
As curiously as foresightedly, Costa Rica holds no armed force (standing army) for a ¾ of century – ever since 1948. Moreover, by 1994 the country amended its constitution to embody a right to a healthy environment for its citizens as one of the fundamental human rights.
Complementing the unique constitutional right, Costa Rica has impressive practical results in greening its economy.
In 2018 only, the country went 300 days using only renewable energy. As of December 2018, 98.15% of electricity is produced from water, wind, geothermal energy, biomass and the sun (thermal and photovoltaic). Back in 2015, it managed to generate 100 % of its electricity from renewable energy sources for 299 days; in 2016, it ran for 271 days and in 2017 for 300 days on everything but fossil fuels.
According to the Costa Rican Institute of Electricity, the country generates most of its electricity, around 99 per cent, with a variety of methods including hydropower (78 per cent), wind (10 per cent), geothermal energy (10 per cent), biomass (1 per cent) and solar (1 per cent). However, there is still a lot to do. Almost 70 per cent of the country’s (non-electricity) energy consumption still comes for the PEM composed of fossil fuels. Transportation heavily leans on petrol while gas is still widely used for cooking and smaller vehicles.
Greening politics and economy, rethinking transport
In order to meet the targets (domestic and these emanating from the Paris Agreement) on carbon neutrality by 2021, Costa Rica – on its national and subnational level – is now focusing on transportation. Modern passengers and freight transportation is one of the largest polluters all over the world. At the same time it is one of the sectors most tedious to decarbonize. In Costa Rica itself, transportation accounts for some 2/3 of carbon/green-house gas emissions.
Using incentives and subsidies for cleaner vehicles, particularly electric mode of public and personal transportation, the state and city authorities aim to greening and decarbonising. Skilful recalibration of petrol taxing and road-tolls could be one of the solutions. Of course, the easiest way to get to carbon neutrality is to introduce the carbon quotas by limiting the fossil fuels consumption.
However, it has to be reconciled with the current technological possibilities to switch to electric solutions. The batteries, its life time, recharging mode and speed, dispersion and availability of sockets as well as the weight and price of batteries are some of the challenges for years if not decades to come, not only to Costa Rica but even for the world’s technological champions.
On the other hand, as the country’s economy grows, demands for the old-fashioned ICE (inner-combustion engine) cars is rising. In 2017, on every newborn baby two new cars were registered (in contrast to some 120 new electric cars). For over 60% of population diesel fuelled bases, cars and locomotives are daily choice of commuting. The country already ranks second in per capita emissions in Central America, which makes further electrification both a logical choice and urgent necessity.
Elsewhere in the world, governments are also struggling with how to balance financial means and the tasks; driving habits and curbing the emissions, consumeristic social styles with a future imperatives, but it seems Costa Rica is going braver and further than most. Therefore, its greening of politics, energy, economy and international conduct is worth to closely monitor and learn from.
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About the author:
Sinta Stepani, is international relations specialists based in São Paulo, Brazil.
Hong Kong’s unrest started in June 2019. It was triggered by the plans to allow extradition to mainland China. Critics felt this could compromise judicial autonomy and jeopardise free-speech legacy.
Until 1997, Hong Kong was under the British rule as an overseas territory (effectively a colony), but then returned under the mainland China jurisdiction. Under the Deng’s “one country, two systems” arrangement, it has considerable autonomy, and Hongkongers (Mandarin: 香港人) enjoy comparatively more civic rights.
The controversial bill was finally withdrawn in September 2019. Under the slogan ‘too little too late’, the demonstrations continued, growing even larger. Protesters now demand full democracy and an independent inquiry into police actions.
Lately, clashes between police and activists have turned worryingly violent; police firing rubber bullets and occasionally even live rounds, while protesters counter-attacking officers by throwing stones and petrol bombs.
Generational and Class struggle is back?
What still remains rather underreported are social and generational dimensions of the protests. Hence, it indeed feels to comment on some distorting interpretations and oversimplified views.
As an illustration, one can take reporting such as James A. Dorn’s columns (eg. “If protesters want to protect Hong Kong’s way of life, they must win the war of ideas”). This author is cited as a China specialist. Essentially, he is a senior fellow of the Cato Institute, a conservative think tank similar to The Heritage Foundation, which often declares Hong Kong the “world’s freest economy”, even though Hong Kong’s working class endures horrid living conditions here.
Authors like him allude to a “war of ideas” and do criticise socialism with Chinese characteristics, even though China has made tremendous economic progress and enjoyed political stability. One wonders why such views and opinions about Hong Kong or China should be considered or adopted.
China has not dictated how the US or other Western countries should run their economies or political systems, nor has it solicited advice from these free market theoreticians or think tanks. China has lifted at least half a billion people out of poverty, helping to alleviate poverty globally.
Another country which has done exceptionally well and which has not subscribed to neoliberal dogma but retains strong state control of the economy and political freedom is Singapore.
Hong Kong’s main problem is that the sacrosanct free market has become a political excuse for government non-interference, allowing tycoons and big businesses to freely game the system, gorge themselves on Hong Kong’s resources and create large wealth disparities that have contributed to our current social and political instability.
This neither alleviated the suffering of Hong Kong’s working class nor solved the housing problem. Rather it has allowed tycoons to profit. The city needs tax reform so that government revenue does not rely on land sales.
The policy of non-intervention has led to tycoons and big businesses privatising necessities like housing, health care, education and, through the Mandatory Provident Fund, retirement savings. This benefits the private sector at the expense of the public.
Driven by an unrestrained greed, someone wishing to monetise, gambles with our future. Simply, compare the Gini for Hong Kong of 1997 and of today, and see yourself.
Massive social costs to enrich few – Parasites among us
Nowhere in the world is housing as unaffordable and nowhere has it made property developers as wealthy. Allowing markets to set prices only reinforces the housing crisis, as does letting local and foreign investors buy up property despite the housing shortage. Another absurdity is calling for more free competition to break up the property cartel.
As professor Anis H. Bajrektarevic observed and compared: “… it seems that the narrative by which the ‘freedom’ obsessed and spoiled capitalist youth is fighting the big egalitarian communist apparatus is overly simplified and is, thus, short in capturing the truth… It is [what is happening last months in Hong Kong] closer to an outcry of excluded and pauperised youth – quite similar to the one on the streets of Europe, whose protests faded away years ago … [Well] educated but disfranchised youth that feels the generational warfare replaced the social welfare… The Hongkongers are not fighting against the egalitarian ideas or system. Quite to contrary, they are bitterly opposing social inequality and endemic generational exclusions. The very tomorrow of European society might be – prudently or violently – decided on the streets of Hong Kong.”
A low-tax regime mostly benefits the landlord class and big business. Hong Kong residents actually pay among the highest taxes in the world in the form of high rents and housing prices, yet they have scant social safety nets. A wealth tax and more progressive taxes should be imposed to generate government revenue, instead of relying on land sales.
Hong Kong needs the opposite of the free-market dogma, so we can have more humane living conditions and social stability. Or as a former Vice-chancellor of the Hong Kong University wonderfully captured: “Neither violence, nor Beijing, can fix City’s housing shortage and lack of a social safety net.”
Many Hongkongers have lost out due to economic changes, and many have deep-seated distrust of mainland China. The Hong Kong government must first address their social exclusions and financial insecurities, enhancing all-generational debate before it can work on fostering a sense of Chinese identity.
About the author:
Wan T. Lee is a Hong Kong based scholar and researcher.
By the Honourable Pauline Krikke, Mayor of The Hague.
That’s how I have come to know The Hague since I became Mayor on 17 March 2017. Of course, I already knew of The Hague’s particular reputation as a diplomatic centre and as the city of peace and justice. But it was really only after I became involved in the day-to-day aspects of the job that I started to understand just how much that international element is a quintessential part of The Hague. Not just in many specific places in our city but also while on foreign trips.
I met many diplomats and people working for international corporations, I spoke to the young participants at The Hague Model United Nations and with international students pursuing their education here. I have enjoyed the Embassy Festival, the celebration of Chinese New Year and all the other festivities which build bridges between different cultures.
I am amazed by how many, often young, researchers and entrepreneurs here in The Hague are looking for solutions to the challenges of the 21st century. I have been particularly struck by how the work of our international organisations, tribunals and NGOs is felt in the lives of countless people all over the world. I was greatly moved by the stories of refugees in Lebanon where The Hague provides practical support – with waste processing, for example- to the municipalities there that provide reception for these displaced people.
As Mayor of a city which is so international in character, I am made all the more aware of the movement in the opposite direction that is taking place all over the world. Following a period of close international cooperation, based in part on the bitter experiences of two world wars, we are now seeing a tendency to pull down the hatches and raise all the bridges. I am truly concerned about these developments. The problems we need to overcome are largely transnational in nature and we can only solve them by working together. Ignoring them is not an option. Dealing with the effects of climate change, the issue of migration and refugees, or tackling terrorists, to mention just a few: problems which do not end at national or city borders.
As the international city of peace and justice The Hague will not stand on the sidelines. Even if it means going against the spirit of the times – we will continue to be active and open to the idea working together to create a better world. Fortunately, we find that there are other like-minded cities. Last year, for example, together with Anne Hidalgo, the Mayor of Paris, we set up the Global Urban Air Pollution Observatory (GUAPO).This a collaborative platform for multilateral cooperation between cities to combat air pollution and to take the lead in reaching the climate goals. The Hague also founded the Global Parliament of Mayors (GPM), in which cities work together in areas such as the environment, migration, discrimination and poverty. In October I was in Bristol for the Annual Summit of the GPM.
We face huge challenges. Three quarters of the world’s population lives in cities and urban areas. This number will only grow in the coming years. But this should not be at the expense of the welfare of those who already live there. We must ensure that the city is still a pleasant place to live. By ensuring that our cities have sufficient greenery, for example. By making it possible for people to get about easily. By providing heat and light for their homes in a way which is has as little environmental impact as possible. The threat of social division is also a serious concern. Cities are seeking international cooperation in all these areas. In the 100 resilient cities network set up by the Rockefeller Foundation, for example. The Hague is proud to be part of that and actively contributes to the exchange of knowledge and experience in the areas of physical and social resilience.
And in doing all these things we constantly need to ask ourselves: who are we doing it for? It will take time for much of what we are doing now to bear fruit. We are therefore doing it largely for generations to come. And that is precisely why I consider it so important to include young people when we are setting out a course for the future. Because it is about their lives. It was therefore also a great honour recently to welcome 1800 talented and passionate young people to The Hague from all over the world as participants at the One Young World Summit. They came together here to offer creative solutions for a better world. Where better to do that than here in The Hague, the international city of peace and justice? The city with a worldwide view.
By Sheila Turabaz
Mr. Erik de Baedts is the General Director of the Carnegie Foundation-Peace Palace and Treasurer of the Hague Academy of International Law since 2015. A soft-spoken yet determined man with a strong vision; Mr. De Baedts possesses a wealth of knowledge on issues related to peace and justice and has found his calling: enhancing the mission of the Peace Palace as a temple of peace for the world. We sat down for an in-depth interview with Mr. De Baedts to discuss his views on peace (through law), reflect on the past of the Peace Palace as well as to look into the future.
Mr. De Baedts, it has been more than three years since you have been appointed as Director of the Carnegie Foundation-Peace Palace. How do you reflect upon the past few years?
“I was inspired by the mission, or rather the calling of the Peace Palace. I expected this responsibility to be demanding, and it has proven to be so. I had not foreseen the impact of the asbestos in this monumental building.* ”
“During the past three years the financing of our current obligations (including the preparation for this large scale renovation project) has become more challenging. We are fortunate that the host country has always been financing the Carnegie Foundation-Peace Palace for a number of decades. They currently provide around 70 percent of our budget. But as the building gets older, and as the courts inside the Peace Palace are dealing with more cases that need to be served, our responsibility to maintain the building and to offer the necessary services has asked more from the Carnegie Foundation, where as our resources have not been increased, on the contrary.”
“I must add to this that the contribution of the United Nations for the housing of the International Court of Justice and of the Permanent Court of Arbitration are much appreciated.”
“In addition, the support of the Peace Palace Library to the courts is becoming increasingly important. Our library collection is still very relevant but this collection also needs to be maintained and developed — and thus financed —, and this has proven to be a challenge as well: more cases, on various topics in different regions, equally require more relevant publications that should be available whenever the Judges and arbiters require them.”
“In general, also given rising tensions in the world, these are interesting times to say the least, but fortunately overall, we are doing well.”
“We have recently received clarity from the Dutch government about our funding for the next two years, leading up to the renovation project. We are supporting the courts with their cases and have also prepared the arrangements how to better serve them in the near future. We are working to strengthen the support from the private sector as well, and we are working to enhance our mission as a temple of peace for the world, as Andrew Carnegie* requested in his deed by which our Foundation was established.”
According to Arthur Eyffinger, author of “The Peace Palace: Residence for Justice, Domicile for Learning” — considered the most comprehensive work about the history of the Peace Palace during the first 75 years of its existence — harmonious co-operation has marked the relationship of the Carnegie Foundation and the Courts throughout, although misunderstandings and unworthy quarrels were sometimes unavoidable. Eyffinger speaks of finding a “ proper modus vivendi”. How do you maintain a harmonious relationship with the Courts?
“I think it is important to first appreciate both the courts for their highly important role for the world. The International Court of Justice as the world court is of eminent importance as it settles interstate disputes in the courtroom. Of course, when you appreciate the Court you are also willing to support them as well as you can. If you look at the Permanent Court of Arbitration, we are well aware that we owe the Peace Palace to the fact that the Permanent Court of Arbitration was established during the Hague Peace Conferences, in order to settle (potentially) violent conflicts peacefully. We appreciate their important role as well, and want to serve them as best as we can.”
“The building has not grown; at least the monumental building itself has not grown, whereas the number of cases has grown significantly over the last decade. That is great for society as any conflict settled peacefully is good for humanity. However, the logistical challenge to facilitate the increasing number of hearings inside the monumental building is sometimes difficult for my colleagues to deal with. We are always trying to find practical solutions and common ground . We are in the process of developing better facilities for both the courts and we hope it will be appreciated.”
Mr. Erik de Baedts is the General Director of the Carnegie Foundation Peace Palace and Treasurer of the Hague Academy of International Law.
During its 105 years of existence, many prominent figures have served the Foundation. In what way do you draw inspiration from your predecessors?
“I meet my predecessor Mr. Steven van Hoogstraten on an incidental basis. He did a great job in developing the Academy and Library building and the Visitors Centre. We are fortunate that we can now receive visitors and host public events without interfering of the activities of the Courts. It is my primary task as General Director to further enhance the Peace Palace.”
“To serve the courts and develop the facilities in order to serve all the institutions of the Peace Palace. I am also very grateful that the renowned persons on the Board of the Carnegie Foundation (with Dr. Bernard Bot as its President) have shown their continued commitment to meet more often in order to deal with the asbestos problem and the large-scale renovation project, and that they are representing the Carnegie Foundation in many meetings with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the host country. Their commitment is a source of inspiration for me.”
The Carnegie Peacebuilding Conversations— a three-day conference which was held for the first time from the 24th until 26th September of last year at the Peace Palace — was a unique event from many perspectives. It brought together representatives of the Carnegie Institutions worldwide, philanthropists, international organizations NGO’s, academics and students. An eclectic audience but all sharing the same objective: ‘Generating fresh perspectives on peacebuilding and conflict resolutions through dialogue’. How was this idea realized and in what sense has this enriched your perspective on the peace ideal?
“The Carnegie Peacebuilding Conversations was the result of good cooperation. I first learned about the impressive network of Carnegie Institutions that still exist (26 to date a hundred years after Andrew Carnegie himself passed away) when I was invited to join the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy Award ceremonies, where philanthropy, giving, is being celebrated. I realized that there is a whole network that we may be able to tap into. So I threw a stone in a pond: how wonderful would it be if we come together and work on a common peace agenda? The Peace Palace is a jewel in the crown of Andrew Carnegie’s legacy. He said that it was the happiest day of his life when the Peace Palace opened its doors, thanks to his support.”
“This call resonated. I was invited to elaborate ideas. The Carnegie UK Trust and the Carnegie Foundation sat together to develop the peace agenda. We presented ideas during a meeting in New York with all the Carnegie Institutions, who agreed to support us financially and to develop the program together. In addition, we have received support from Her Royal Highness Princess Laurentien, from the United Nations, the World Bank, and the Societal Alliance (MaatschappelijkeAlliantie).”
“We considered it important to tap into these private resources and to develop and launch a peace agenda together with partners. The Carnegie Institutions were very active in promoting this and it turned out to be a successful event. We want to develop this further by hosting events to foster dialogue. A similar conference on financing peace will be held in the near future. We are also trying to find philanthropic support of Dutch partners to enable us to realize the peace agenda. I am happy that it was possible to organize these dialogues, and to be more visible to the world through livestreaming, solely on the basis of external funding of our partners. So we have proven to be able to facilitate the Courts while having an extra impact to bring parties together to promote peace at the same time.”
Various philanthropists have attended the conference, which was also focused on exploring the options of the use of private capital and philanthropic efforts for public goals to promote peace. What was the outcome of these discussions and how do you intend to incorporate the knowledge you have gained in the Foundation’s policy plan for the future?
“While developing this project, we have received a grant of US $ 1 million dollar already from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Thanks to this grant we now have developed some capacity to elaborate on partnerships and to engage with philanthropies. A large extent of this grant was also used to enhance the automation and the digital collection of the library. We currently have a core engine to develop partnerships and to acquire further support. With these Carnegie Peace building Conversations (and also with the One Young World Summit that we hosted with the Municipality of The Hague) we now have a better profile with various funds and foundations.”
“We are for instance currently in discussion with the Lutfia Rabbani foundation on how to promote the Euro-Arab dialogue. We are also happy to work with Steve Killelea, Founder and Chairman of the Institute for Economics and Peace. These are all examples of partners we now liaise with. It is our intention to further provide a platform for activities promoting peace. And we can do so without exhausting any resources required to fulfill our first and foremost mission: serving the courts.”
During the Carnegie Peacebuilding Conversations, an official press conference was held to announce a unique initiative: The making of a “Declaration of Friendship Across Religions”, intended to foster peace. Considered by various media outlets as a unique, historical moment, the declaration aims to “counter division, hatred and intolerance between people of different religions by promoting friendship between members of diverse faiths”. Prominent religious leaders will be invited to the Peace Palace in 2020 to officially sign this declaration. Can you tell us more about this initiative and how it will contribute to the peace ideal?
“I have had the privilege of serving as chairman for the Council of Religions in Amsterdam as a volunteer and I got to know more of the source of inspiration of faiths and that in general the teachings are peaceful: how to relate peacefully to one’s neighbor, how to relate to our planet; and how to preserve our planet. I found it important to develop a peace agenda where the issue of religion could be addressed. I was happy to learn that Mark Woerde (a Dutch filmmaker) was working on a similar project entitled the “Make friends across religions” campaign, by inviting various religious leaders to share a message of friendship in front of his camera: the purpose of this project was for the religious leaders to show that it is important to relate in friendship to persons of other faiths. How wonderful would it be if they were not only on camera separately but if they can meet at the Peace Palace, the symbol of peace, to demonstrate that religious leaders from different backgrounds meet in peace.”
“Mark Woerde brought me into contact with the Director of the Elijah Interfaith Institute in Jerusalem. The Director came over to The Hague and we developed plans to organize such a meeting. But before we made an official public announcement, additional support was needed. For example, it is important that the Vatican would be supportive of such an initiative. Luckily, H.E. Mr. Aldo Cavalli, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Netherlands was supportive and we have received confirmation that the Vatican will designate an official to work with us towards such a declaration of friendship.”
“Furthermore, I felt it was important to engage with others, such as the ambassador of Egypt. In the Sunni Islam world, the Al-Azhar University in Egypt is a source of reference. The Ambassador of Egypt H.E. Mr. Amgad Abdel Ghaffar was very supportive as well. In addition, the ambassador of India, H.E. Mr. Venu Rajamony also showed his commitment to the cause. It is intended that the declaration will be signed officially in June 2020. Although it is often perceived as a reason for conflict and divide, religion to many is a source of inspiration for ethics and moral standards. By coming together and showing friendship and peaceful interaction at this symbolic place to the world, we can indeed serve as the Temple of Peace Andrew Carnegie envisaged, and play a more visible role to the world for the many who are not active ininternational law, yet long for signs of peace and hope.”
A similar event took place in Azerbaijan. Pope Francis attended the 6th Global Baku Forum themed “Bridging Gaps to Create Inclusive Societies” (a UN Sustainable Development Goal)*, where a number of high-level speakers shared their perspectives on dealing with global challenges as well as with the aim of building bridges among societies and promoting tolerance and inter-cultural dialogue and understanding. How do you intend to foster a similar dialogue and debate in order to “promote international peace through law”? ***
“Our chairman Dr. Bernard Bot, signed the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Charter because of course; we house a UN Principal Organ, and we are at the heart of the International City of Peace and Justice. The UN Sustainable Development Goals, and notably Goal 16 on Peace, Justice and Strong institutions is heavily supported here. We are the platform that can host dialogues to promote these SDGs. During the Carnegie Peacebuilding Conversations, the Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands recognized the Peace Palace as an “international SDG house” to promote these goals. We want to promote further dialogue on all the SDG’s asthey are intertwined. To what extent is the SDG on poverty related to the SDG on conflicts? Poverty, inequality, climate change, these are all topics that have an impact as root causes for potential conflicts. If we can address these SDG’s and work towards a better world we are also working on peace. Peace is a necessary precondition to work on these SDG’s.”
The Hague hosted this year’s One Young World Summit – a global forum for young leaders, similar to Davos –. The spectacular opening ceremony took place in the garden of the Peace Palace and was attended by Her Majesty Queen Maxima, Sir Bob Geldof, Hollywood actress Amber Heard, among others. One of the many large events that have taken place at the Peace Palace recently which have attracted quite some media attention. Is this part of a strategic plan to promote the Peace Palace as a global icon for peace and justice?
“In addition to this impressive line of speakers the President of the International Court of Justice, H.E. Mr. Abdulqawi Yusuf also inspired the future leaders. The One Young World Summit was a wonderful event organized in good cooperation with the Municipality of The Hague. We are working with the municipality to explore what we can do more for the municipality. We are an icon for the world but also an icon for The Hague. It is important that The Hague and the Carnegie Foundation work together more actively.”
“However, we cannot have these events on a regular basis. It simply does not tie in well with facilitating hearings of the courts without inconveniences. But every now and then if it does not interfere with hearings, within certain conditions we may organize similar public events. The One Young World summit was an important event that has reached out to many youth in the world. Furthermore, we have the mission to support The Hague Academy of International Law that educates the future leaders of the world. Every year, somewhere between 600 to 700 students studying the field of international law visit to the Peace Palace. It’s a vibrant time at the Peace Palace when all these students are here.”
“They are going to be the future judges and the future ambassadors. I am very happy that The Hague Academy has increased its activities. In January 2019 The Hague Academy will organize winter courses for the first time. It is amazing that we will have some 300 participants during the first winter courses already. So in 2019 we will actually educate some 1.000 future international leaders, judges and ambassadors at the Palace. In addition, The Hague Academy organizes external programs in various places around the world. The Hague Academy is very important in developing our future leaders. Its mission ties in well with the One Young World Summit, and already some participants indicated that they hope to come back to the Peace Palace to study at the Hague Academy.”
“It is important to offer the inspiration to the world that peace through law is feasible and to pass that message of hope on to younger generations. Furthermore, during the Carnegie Wateler Peace Prize award ceremony we also appointed Leonardo Parraga as the first Carnegie Youth Peace Prize winner. He initiated an inspiring project promoting reconciliation in Colombia. I will be having conversations with him on a regular basis and I hope it will inspire us more.”
Mr. Erik de Baedts is the General Director of the Carnegie Foundation Peace Palace and Treasurer of the Hague Academy of International Law and Diplomat Magazine’s Ms. Sheila Turabaz.
Lastly, how do you envision the future?
“I envisage a more peaceful world and the Peace Palace as a shining beacon in the world that is better suited to facilitate both the courts and reaching out to the public to promote peace. The institutions at the Peace Palace provide peace in action. During the Carnegie Peacebuilding Conversations, Rabbi AwrahamSoetendorp called the Peace Palace “a place of pilgrimage”, and he was right. Peace through law is feasible. The Peace Palace can contribute much more to promoting a peaceful world. The road to the courtroom instead of the battlefield is available, and it should be known much more widely, so people can call on their leaders to not invest in arms and go to war, but to go to the Peace Palace to settle their issues in peace.”
“We have the struggle of asbestos but let’s turn a challenge into an opportunity. We hope that we can renovate the Peace Palace in a way that it again accommodates the courts for many decades to come. Because peace through law is of utmost importance now and in the future. So facilitating the courts as well as possible is of utmost importance.”
“Moreover, we hope to ensure that peace education, the public events and the public dialogues can be facilitated without any inconveniences to the courts. The Host Country is doing its best to find suitable options to facilitate the courts during a renovation. We realize that temporary relocation of the courts may well be necessary and the courts are aware of that. The Peace Palace is a pearl in an oyster. We should realize that in the Peace Palace there are actual peace heroes working. The judges of the International Court of Justiceare settling huge conflicts peacefully. These judges are peace heroes. The arbiters that settle confidential issues that are not known to the world — conflicts that are really pertinent — these arbiters are peace heroes. Of course, the staff of the organizations housed in the Peace Palace also takes pride that the gardens and the Palace remain the icons that they are but I find it important that these heroes are also recognized for their important contribution to the world.”
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*The risk of exposure to asbestos in the Peace Palace became eminent during a renovation in 2014, and the situation was resolved, albeit temporarily until now.**Andrew Carnegie (1835 – 1919) was a Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist who donated US$1.5 million to build the Peace Palace.***Sustainable Development Goal 16 calls for the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies based on respect for human rights, the rule of law and transparent, effective and accountable institutions. Source: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2018-03-15/secretary-generals-video-message-6th-global-baku-forum-bridging-gaps
By H.E. Ms. Andrea Gustović-Ercegovac, Ambassador of Croatia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
After joining NATO in April 2009 and the EU in July 2013, we can say that our European integration project is reaching a completion stage. Our position is that of a European partner and a connecting country between Eastern, Central and Western Europe. Our focus is on what unites the EU today, and much less on what could divide us. We should jointly engage to ensure prosperity and security of our citizens.
Europe is going through a turbulent time with anti-immigrant populist politics becoming more prominent, Euroscepticism on the rise and Brexit imminent. The migrant issue is putting a lot of strain on the EU but also on its surrounding countries in the Southeast Europe. With all the instability in the region, we believe that the EU should take more interest and be more present in Southeast Europe.
We still have two more strategic goals that both come with a strong EU. Our commitment is to become a member of the Schengen area and part of the Monetary Union with Euro as our currency.
In this sense, Croatia is ready to meet all of the Schengen technical criteria by the end of this year and is striving to become part of the Schengen Area by 2020, when Croatia will, for the first time, preside over the Council of the EU.
As regards Eurozone accession, Croatia has achieved a relatively high level of convergence, and we are still to join the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM-2). In 2017, the Croatian government decreased its public debt to 78% of GDP, and aims to reduce the public debt further to 65% by 2021. In 2017, Croatia had a 0.8% budget surplus, as well as continuous GDP growth of around 3 % for many years.
Some facts about Croatia
Although the existence of Croatian state dates back to the Medieval times,
I shall skip directly to the modern times history. Croatia was part of Austria-Hungary until the end of World War I. In 1918, Croats, Serbs, and Slovenes were united in a state that later, after the Belgrade assassination of the Croatian parliamentarian Stjepan Radić, became the Kingdom of Yugoslavia under the hegemony of the Serbian king.
Following World War II, Yugoslavia became a federal communist state consisting of six socialist republics under the leadership of Josip Broz Tito. Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, after proposing Yugoslavia to become a confederation (the idea was refused by Serbs), and after a referendum in which 94% of the population declared itself in favour of independence. Croatia endured more than four years of Serbian aggression before the occupying Serb armies were expelled from its territory, with immeasurable damage to its economy and infrastructure (Croatia provided shelter to more than 720 000 refugees from neighbouring countries and the total sustained damage is estimated at approx. 30 billion USD).
The four million inhabitants of Croatia are Croats(90.4%), Serbs (4.4%) and other nationalities including Bosniak, Hungarian, Slovene, Czech, Slovak, Roma etc.The predominant religion is Roman Catholic 86.3%, followed by Orthodox 4.4%, and Muslim 1.5% religions.
The northern half of the countryis more densely populated, with approximately a quarter of the population residing in and around Zagreb.
Tourism is one of the main pillars of the Croatian economy, comprising 19 % of Croatia’s GDP. Croatia is a country of beautiful nature, with 19 parks of nature or national parks, the cleanest sea of the Mediterranean with 6000 km of coast, more than 1200 islands free of pollution or traffic, and 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Biking adventure tourism, hiking, sailing, organic food are parts of the Croatian natural orientation. At the same time inland Croatia is well-connected through a network of motorways. Investment in tourism and trade are growing, just like the number of visitors and the cultural exchanges among Croats and the Dutch. The Dutch are definitely discovering Croatia – 500 000 Dutch traveled to Croatia last year.
Regarding Croatian economy, 60% of the Croatian export is directed to the EU, while 12% of our exports is in the shipbuilding industry. We have a varied agriculture sector providing 11% of Croatian workplaces. The Croatian energy sector is well-developed, hydro energy accounting for 50% of all energy production, but we also produce 65% of our natural gas needs. Croatia is working to become a regional energy hub and is undertaking plans to open a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal to import LNG for re-distribution to Central and Southeast Europe.
Netherlands and Croatia
The Netherlands is the number one investor in Croatia with total investments reaching almost 7 billion €. Most investments are in the maritime sector, water management, agriculture and consultancy services. On the other hand, The Netherlands has also been a leading destination for Croatian capital, with investments reaching almost 3 billion €.
As political partners we cooperate well, with room for intensifying our cooperation even more. We have regular political consultations on all issues relating to both our bilateral interests, as well as to our common EU existence.
The Netherlands is a country that values innovative solutions, and has a sophisticated business environment. The Dutch are ahead of the time in a series of top sectors, such as life sciences and health, agriculture and food, high technology or creative industries. We could learn a lot from The Netherlands.
Before ending this text, I would like to share a personal wish: it is for the Royal family to visit Croatia and spend their holidays on the Croatian coast. I am confident that this would additionally strengthen our ties, to the benefit of both, Croatia and the Netherlands.
By Ron Ton, Director of Clingendael Academy
Who said negotiations in diplomacy is easy? Negotiating in bilateral relations, within international organisations, in trade and investment, with conflicting parties, lobby groups or NGO’s or at global international conferences, it all should be in the negotiation skills set of a diplomat. It’s not only the variety in the context which makes negotiations complex for diplomats. Also, changing policy concerns entered the diplomatic negotiation arena, in the field of sustainable development issues, refugee crises, cyber security or the digital agenda. At the same time the number of non-state actors trying to influence international negotiations has expanded dramatically: NGO’s, interest groups, citizens movements, private sector stakeholders, the media etc.
To me, negotiations can be best subscribed as the management of complexity. It starts with the complexity of finding an acceptable deal for two of more parties. Having an agenda of 20 issues with 10 parties or more behind the table means that the number of exchanges in interests are huge. Delegations are often faced with the paradox of trying to maximalise their individual interest and at the same time know a deal can only me found collectively. The road to a good package deal in itself can be very bumpy: a complex agenda, poor negotiation behaviour, a hostile atmosphere, time pressures, emotions, misperceptions or political concerns can block successful negotiations.
What are critical factors to be successful in negotiations?
It all begins with a thorough preparation and planning. Basically, knowing what you want and to anticipate tactically on the position of the other party or parties. Vital interests and possible concessions needs to be well defined and supported by a constituency. In the end success starts at home, in the way you are provided with a strong mandate and with mutual understanding between you and your constituency.
Good negotiators make sure to have a strategic plan.Designing a strategy sheet can help to have a better grip on the negotiations by identifying a so-called PIN analysis on position, interest and needs of your delegation and your opponent(s), as well identifying your “Best alternative to a Negotiated Agreement” (BATNA), opening strategy and tactics. A well-defined BATNA can give you situational power: if the outcome is better than your BATNA you could accept the offer; if not you have to consider re-negotiations or withdrawal of the negotiations.
In my view, analysing beforehand the interests and needs behind positions is of vital importance to be successful in negotiations. How often do parties just stick to their position and lack insights to understand the interests or needs motivating the position of a party? A position is open and publicly expressed to let other parties know how you would like solve a conflict or dispute. The interests expresses what you really want and are the arguments behind your position. Needs are hidden and generally non-negotiable and express why you want something. Needs refer to deeply rooted beliefs like identity, recognition or moral values or can refer to basic human needs like safety, subsistence or protection.
In negotiation it is also good to understand the concepts of distributive and integrative negotiations. Distributive negotiations are very competitive, one issue dominated bilateral negotiations, for example in territorial dispute or price negotiations. Parties tend to fight for their gain at the loss of the other, the so called win-lose negotiations. In integrative negotiations parties recognise collaboration and cooperation to get to a deal which makes both better off. There is a level of trust and multiple issues can be exchanged, for example in trade negotiations as we have seen lately in the EU-Japan trade deal.
Negotiators should know also to handle themselves in stressful situations. A basic rule to differentiate the person from the issue can provide assurance not taking attacks or emotions too personal. Negotiators are sitting behind the negotiation table as professionals representing a country or party and not as a private person. There is nothing wrong by showing emotions, after all we are all human beings. However, if emotions lead to irrational behaviour it can lead to take wrong decisions.
So, how to stay in control of the complexity of negotiations?
For this purpose I have designed a four dimension competence negotiation method. The dimensions arecontent, process, behaviour andprocedures. Each dimension is backed up by competences, qualifications to be a successful negotiator. If, for example, you get stuck in negotiations you always have to wonder is it because there is a lack of exploration on the interests (content) or did we forget to investin the relationship (process)? Or did we for example misunderstand the rules for decision making (procedures) or couldn’t we handle pressure (behaviour)? Perceiving negotiations as a four dimensions process can provide you with insights how to take negotiations forward. In my view, a successful negotiator is the one who can navigate best between the content, process, behaviour and procedures of negotiation.
Good luck in your next negotiations!
The Hague International Center launched a new website: www.thehagueinternationalcentre.nl. From arranging your formalities to interesting news articles and from exciting events to information about international schools: you will find it all on the new website.
Information, news and events
The website offers information on everything you need to know when working and/or living in The Hague region. Think of topics such as healthcare, education, residence permits and municipal services. And if you want to blend in with the locals and feel more at home in The Hague region, you are also at the right spot. The website covers topics such as fun activities for children, celebrating Sinterklaas as a parent, where to learn Dutch and international clubs and networks in The Hague region. If you want to stay updated on news and events for internationals in The Hague region, you can subscribe to The Hague International Centre’s newsletter on the website as well.
Formalities and services
The Hague International Centre’s website is also your starting point to arrange formalities. If you want to register with the municipality or pick up your residence permit at the IND, you can make an appointment through the website to do so. By selecting your own date and time, you can make sure the appointment suits your schedule.
The Hague International Centre
We are the point of contact for international staff of organisations and companies in The Hague, Delft, Leidschendam-Voorburg and Rijswijk. By providing you with all the information and guidance you need, we offer you a soft landing in The Hague region. We do this in collaboration with ACCESS (a not-for-profit organisation serving the international community) and the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
The Hague International Centre: connecting internationals to The Hague region!
