Press Conference by Rex Tillerson (US Secretary of State) Left: Ambassador Kay Bailey Hutchison (US Permanent Representative to NATO). Photography US Embassy in Brussels. The US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson visited NATO Headquarters during his travels last week to Belgium, Austria, and France.  On December 6, 2017, he spoke at a press conference in Brussels.   Here below an extract of this speech: The United States, obviously, I think has affirmed now on multiple occasions our support for NATO’s mission. We know that the security NATO provides protects Western democratic principles, protects our right to live in freedom. To that end, the United States is eager for our NATO allies to exert their sovereignty and take on greater responsibility for our shared deterrence and our defense burden. I think, as each of us contributes, the better we will be able to deter and defend against the threats on Europe’s frontiers, which also can become threats for America. We do commend the many countries that have made additional commitments and greater contributions. This year Romania joined the United States, Greece, Estonia, the United Kingdom, and Poland as six allies that spend at least two percent of their GDP on defense. And two more allies, Latvia and Lithuania, will join that club in 2018. We expect 26 allies will increase their defense spending budgets this year and five more NATO allies have put plans in place to achieve the 2 percent objective by 2024. Increased spending, however, is not enough. It is really about increasing capabilities. And we’ve spent a lot of time in the sessions here at NATO over the last day-and-a-half talking about that. It is interesting, since NATO was formed the single largest cause of loss of lives within NATO from threats has been terrorism. And I think President Trump, as all of you well know, has made it clear that stopping terrorism must be a growing focus of attention for NATO. And we had just completed a session on the subject. Yesterday we discussed how to further leverage the action plan to strengthen the allies’ resilience against terrorist attacks and, in particular, to build upon NATO’s already long-standing commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan, increase their cooperation as the President has announced his new South Asia strategy. We appreciate NATO members’ commitments to the United States effort to defeat ISIS globally, as well as our other counterterrorism efforts. The original mission of NATO, obviously, is still relevant. We have been clear with Russia that we cannot return to business as usual in the NATO-Russia relations, as long as Russia continues its illegal occupation of Ukraine. And Russia’s continued use of hybrid warfare seeks to undermine Western institutions, and this stands as a significant obstacle to normalizing our relations, as well. Russia’s aggression in Ukraine remains the biggest threat to European security, and demands continued transatlantic unity in confronting that threat. Our NATO allies stand firm in our support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and their territorial integrity. We do not accept Russia’s efforts to change the internationally-recognized borders of Ukraine or recognize Russia’s illegal occupation of Crimea. Earlier this morning we also had a productive discussion with Georgian Foreign Minister Janelidze. Georgia is a large contributor to our joint efforts in Afghanistan. In fact, they are the largest per capita of any contributing nation, and we strongly support Georgia’s aspirations to become a NATO member. Looking ahead to our final session, which will be over lunch today, the United States does support NATO’s open-door policy, and our commitment that any Europe-Atlantic country that wishes to join the alliance and meets the requirements to do so should be allowed to do so. And no third party should have anything to say about that pursuit of NATO membership. As we have done for decades, the United States will continue to maintain our straightforward, ironclad commitment to Article V. We will continue to work for the common defense and the preservation of peace called for in the NATO charter, and do so with confidence that our allies will continue to do the same

By Mr Martin Wyss, Chief of Mission, IOM International Organization for Migration in the Netherlands. The Secretary General of the United Nations mentioned in a recent speech that he was a migrant too, but not one who had to resort to a leaky boat. He also said that safe migration must not be limited to the global elite (for the full text see his twitter below). With these truisms, he captured two coexisting, yet starkly diverging realities clashing on the same planet. First, while the Secretary General certainly is part of the global elite, he is also part of an increasingly, mobile, global citizenry for which it is most natural to move safely and freely around the world. He enjoys his freedom of movement just as millions of tourists, students, businesspersons, visiting family members and migrant workers (e.g. over 2 million Filipinos and 1 million Sri Lankans etc.). All these millions travel with passports and where required with a visa. It is as normal as getting rid of one’s water bottle when passing security on the way to the gate. Why state the obvious? Because we overlook that the uninterrupted, global mass movements of people are all orderly and we accept them as completely normal as well as highly beneficial for all. But in fact it means that if you are rich enough you can travel or migrate wherever you want. The world is your oyster. This is maybe best illustrated by the residence permits offered in exchange for substantial investments or property purchases. There is also a rapidly growing, truly global labor, particularly talent market– for Professors, Senior Managers, Senior Accounts and IT Specialists etc. with offers on the back pages of The Economist magazine (see also https: //www.crownworldmobility.com/en-us/blank_page/perspectives—talent-mobility–the-new-normal-download). Secondly, the Secretary General at least implicitly refers to the perverse, global income disparities which prevent millions from enjoying the same rights, because even as a tourist you must have means to sustain yourself, and for the vast majority living in poor countries the need for a job alone or the ambition to have a better income remains unmatched by a right to a visa or a work permit. Therefore, the strongest willed among those barred from access will have no choice but to board leaky boats at great costs and risks or to attempt to climb over fences in Ceuta and Melilla. This is the type of migration that remains unresolved, bitterly argued over and which in some cases divides electorates into new, more conservative and even xenophobic constellations. In this context, it is hoped that the Global Compact for Migration, the first, inter-governmentally negotiated agreement to be prepared under the auspices of the United Nations will cover all dimensions of international migration in a holistic and comprehensive manner. Whenever the UN is committed to go forward as ONE, it can be difficult when many follow different or opposing views and rules. Although the UN holds up many principles as universal, we may notice when listening to the news that not all interpret or follow these universal principles in the same manner. Therefore it is not easy to find common ground when discussing a potentially divisive issue such as migration affecting many in different ways. But maybe we have just forgotten that a majority already accepts a few basic and important tenets: • Everybody knows that migration must be regulated (the question is how). • Many understand and agree that there should be more open channels and lower thresholds for regular migration. • Most agree that refugees and those forced to migrate need international protection, and almost all understand that effective protection of refugees can only be upheld with international solidarity, with a fair sharing of the “burden” with the countries in the vicinity of conflict zones which host most of the world’s refugees. • There is furthermore agreement that all countries have the right to have their own migration rules and visa requirements. But then there is no agreement on how to deal with those in breach of migration procedures. For some they are all victims – for others and I hesitate to say this – they are criminals. One of the problems is that so far there have been no sufficient efforts to find an overarching common “language”, common ideas and values on whether migration is a right that a priori should benefit all. In practice, there is no agreement on whether the rights of states prevail over the rights of individuals or the other way around. However, there may be reason for hope as there is no escaping from a smaller, more mobile, more interconnected world – in short: from more mobility and migration in all its forms. It must thus become possible to balance the rights AND obligations of all migrants with the rights AND obligations of all states. It appears difficult, but if we take note how all nations fully agree and comply with the very strict and mandatory rules which must prevail so that thousands of flights carrying billions of air travelers around the globe every year can take off in safety, it should be possible to find some common rules in order to allow many more to travel and migrate freely and safely, some day. The sooner we face up to these difficult, unresolved, but burning challenge, the sooner we will reach a truly global language and understanding on migration which hopefully will be the basis of a new Global Migration Governance. ——- https:  //twitter.com/antonioguterres/status/91//twitter.com/antonioguterres/status/9105721549739089920572154973908992 ——- Mr Martin Wyss, IOM Photography Barbara Salewski-Ratering

From June to September 2017, Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan hosted the Astana Expo showcase, where over 120 countries and 22 international organizations demonstrated the latest innovations in the clean energy sector. Titled the Future of Energy, this expo focused on four themes, including the ‘Reduction of Carbon Emissions’, ‘Energy for Life’, ‘Energy for All’, and the ‘World of Energy,’ which focused on the role of each individual’s contribution to the efficient use of energy. The Dutch pavilion was launched by the Minister of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands, at that time Mr. Henk Kamp and the Kazakhstan Vice Minister of Energy Mr, Asset Magauov. Mr. Kamp accompany by H.E. Magzhan Ilyassov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Netherlands,  led a delegation of more than 100 Dutch companies, 75 of which were already established in Kazakhstan. As a leading investor in Kazakhstan, the Dutch pavilion emphasized the economic partnership between the two nations, organizing various activities during the duration of the Expo. When looking back at the origins of this economic partnership, a notable moment was in 2007, when a delegation from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign and Economic Affairs visited Kazakhstan. 2 years later, Kazakhstan’s foreign minister visited the Netherlands, were he met with his counterpart and the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Since then, Prime Minister Rutte has visited the country several times, including for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) summit in 2010. Due to this positive relationship, Dutch multinationals as well as small and medium-sized businesses, primarily in the energy, agriculture, logistics, and port development sectors – are increasingly showing interest in Kazakhstan. In contrast, Kazakhstan is showing increasing interest in working with the Netherlands in the agricultural, horticultural and poultry sectors. Additionally, currently, the Netherlands and Kazakhstan are profiting trade partners. The Netherlands exports chemicals and machinery, while Kazakhstan exports primarily oil. While the countries are successful trade partners, there are significant differences between the two countries. Kazakhstan’s population of 17.7 million people enjoys an area of 2,724,900 km2, approximately 65.6 times bigger than the Netherlands. Additionally, Kazakhstan’s economy is primarily focused on natural resources. As geographically the largest of the former Soviet republics, excluding Russia, Kazakhstan’s vast hydrocarbon and mineral reserves form the backbone of the economy. Kazakhstan is landlocked and depends largely on Russia to export its oil to Europe. Further, oil is exported directly to China, showcasing Kazakhstan’s unique position as a bridge between Eurasia and Asia.

Vice Minister Magauov said: “We are sure that Astana will become an effective platform for demonstrating the best world developments and trends in the use of energy from the sun, wind, biogas, sea and thermal waters. Development of mutually beneficial bilateral ties with the Kingdom of the Netherlands has always been based on cooperation, trust, and friendship, and continues to be one of the priorities of our foreign policy. Kazakhstan considers the Netherlands as our key political, trade and investment partner in the European Union.” When considering Kazakhstan’s economy, it is important to understand the ramifications of natural resource dependence. The economic downturn of its Eurasian Economic Union partner, Russia, and the decline of global commodity prices from 2014 to 2015 contributed to an economic slowdown in Kazakhstan. In order to combat this issue, in 2014 Kazakhstan devalued its currency, the tenge, and announced a stimulus package to cope with its economic challenges. Since 2015, Kazakhstan has replaced its currency band with a floating exchange rate, leading to an even sharper fall in the value of the tenge. Since January of 2016, the tenge has modestly appreciated, primarily due to a slight increase in oil prices. In addition to lack of diversification in the economy, Kazakhstan also struggles with various issues surrounding corruption, bureaucracy, and arbitrary law enforcement. This has been a large concern for investors, who seek security in their ventures. Further, the country’s banking sector is subpar, suffering from low liquidity, poor asset quality, and a lack of transparency. Despite these drawbacks, the Astana Expo revealed promising changes for the country of Kazakhstan. Green technologies based on new fundamental discoveries, physics, and building on the developments of Nikola Tesla are helping facilitate diversification within the Kazakhstani economy. Moreover, this demonstration showcased the best of the best in the solar, wind, biogas, and marine sectors, raising Kazakhstan as an emerging player in the global push for clean energy development. The facilities built for the Expo will continue to serve as vital constructions as Kazakhstan continues to develop. For example, spaces used for pavilions can be converted into standard office spaces, to ensure investment is not wasted. Overall, while Kazakhstan’s economy and political situation remain shaky, major strides are being made in the country’s development as exemplified via the Astana Expo. Not only was this Expo a major achievement for Kazakhstan as a nation, it will serve as an example for other countries in Eurasia and Asia who are seeking to diversify their economy, broaden international contacts, and push for modern development.        

By Barend ter Haar. The coming third Planetary Security Conference (on 11 and 12 December in The Hague) is a good reason to look at the current state of planetary security. It can be summarized in one sentence: Mankind has reached a pinnacle of prosperity and power, but it shies away from confronting the unintended environmental, moral and social consequences of this success. Let me qualify that somewhat, beginning with the enormous achievements of mankind. A century ago, most people still lived close to nature, illiterate and with little means to protect themselves and their families against famine and infectious diseases. Now the great majority of children goes to school, agricultural productivity rises fast and most infectious diseases have been brought under control. As a result global life expectancy has more than doubled from less than 35 years to more than 71 years. But this unprecedented global development has a grave impact on the environment. Take for example the concentration of carbon dioxide. Last year it reached a level (400 parts per million) that had not occurred for 3 million years. At that time temperatures were 2-3^oC higher and sea level 10 -20 metres higher. Hopefully temperatures and sea level will not reach these levels again, but the sea level does not have to rise ten meters to make life in The Hague less comfortable. Or take the astonishing decrease of the number of flying insects. This summer I did not terribly miss the mosquitoes in our bedroom, but I missed the bumblebees and butterflies in our garden. Species are currently becoming extinct at between 1,000 and 10,000 times the natural extinction rate. But even if the extinction rate were only 100 times as high as normal, shouldn’t that give us pause to reflect (and act)? Another unintended consequence of the fast growth of science and technology, is the proliferation of immense powers such as nuclear weapon technology and genome engineering. Who should be allowed to use these technologies and for what purposes? These problems can only be effectively addressed through close international cooperation. However, the social consequences of the vast economic and technological growth tend to drive many people in an opposite direction. Almost everybody enjoys the supply of ever cheaper and better products, but the financial benefits are not evenly distributed. The main winners are the inhabitants of poor countries like China and India and the highly educated elites of the rich countries. The losers, at least in relative terms, are middle class people in rich countries whose jobs are taken over by computers or by cheaper labour in other countries. Another unintended consequence of globalisation is that people are more directly confronted, both through internet and as the result of migration, by the, sometimes radically, different traditions and values of people with another cultural and religious background. The combination of relative economic decline with such a clash of cultures brings many people to vote for parties that pretend that by withdrawing behind their borders countries can bring back former times without losing the current levels of peace and prosperity. As result, the United States and the United Kingdom, countries that once were in the vanguard of international cooperation, have expressed their wish to withdraw from respectively the Paris Climate Agreement and the European Union. To prevent other countries from following their bad example, governments will have to combine strengthening international cooperation with addressing domestic problems of inequality, discrimination and integration.

By Corneliu Pivariu. Following the military confrontations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which intensity increased in 2016 and which did not stop during 2017 in spite of the international efforts for finding a solution, both sides suffered important losses, as certain data mention a total of around 350 military death on both sides, in an approximate equal proportion. Even after the meeting in Geneva on 16th of October, 2017, between presidents Serzh Sarksyan and Ilham Aliev, fire exchanges continued with losses on both sides. During the 6th edition of the Armenian diaspora forum in Erevan, between 18-20th of September, 2017, the Armenian foreign minister Eduard Nalbandian refered to the possibility that some of the occupied territories be retroceded to Azerbaidjan in accordance with the already accepted principles by the sides concerning the negotiations for Karabakh, adding that the respective territories “do not represent a threat to Artsakh’s security (the self entitled Republic Nagorno-Karabakh)”, and that stirred vivid emotions and positionings in the Armenian society. The head of General Staff, General-lt. Movses Hakobian declared that even a non significant territorial alteration of the “security belt (i.e. the Azeri occupied regions)” around Karabakh, may cause dramatic consequences for Artsakh’s security and concluded that “we need new territories for… ensuring (Nagorno-Karabakh’s)security”. The declaration came too on the background of Azerbaijan’s acquiring new weapons systems such as the152 mm DANA-M1 (Czech made) self-propelled gun and the multiple launching rockets system (MLRS) RM-70 Vampir and carrying out important maneuvers with offensive character. In this framework, on October 24th, president Serzh Sargsyan delivered an important speech at the Defense Security Research University, and underlined the importance of modernizing Republic of Armenia’s armed forces for facing the challenges it may be confronted with in the future. In this regard, he suggested preparing a modernization program of the army for the next eight years (2018-2025) which, after being discussed and improved, will be adopted on January 28th, 2018 that coincides with the army’s day. The draft of the Defense Law, that is debated in the parliament, will secure the new legal framework imposing drawing up a set of laws for its implementation. Although an important increase of the 2018 defense budged is contemplated (17% as compared to 2017, around 5.5% of the GDP) president Sargsyan emphasized the importance of quantitatively and qualitatively modernizing the army, by a balanced manner of spending the funds. Mention should be made to the fact that Armenia spent for defense during 1992-2016 on average 246.33 million $/year (the biggest sum was 447.4 million $ in 2015, 4.3% of the GDP, with a small decrease in 2016 – to 422.9 million $). In comparison, Azerbaijan spent during the same period, 1992-2016, an yearly average 1,071.09 million $ (3,020.80 million $, or 5.6% of the GDP in 2015 with a significant decrease to 1,931.90 million $ in 2016 – 3.7% of the GDP). As it was expected, the Armenian president’s speech of 24th of October included an important part concerning the strategic situation around Armenia, and appreciated that ”the general situation is stable, yet this stability is fragile and full of numerous impredictible developments” . Certainly the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh occupied an important place of this chapter. The president Sargsyan’s remark “it is impossible to shoot with one hand and to negotiate with the other for finding a solution. We either negotiate or shoot. We are ready for both situations” is worth noticing. Presumably, Armenia’s new defense strategy will give up the soviet style static defense and will adopt a deterrence system, “active deterrence”, to be applied in the conditions when Azerbaijan will continue the operations of  “controlled escalation”. We noticed in president Sargsyan speech the special attention paid to the quality of military training, to the relations within the military system, the importance of the compulsory military service for having a well trained reserve and the care for an appropriate status for the active and reserve military. Lastly, the attention for developing the national military-industrial complex. —————– About the author: Corneliu Pivariu, former first deputy for military intelligence (two stars general) in the Romanian MoD, retired 2003. Member of IISS – London, alumni of Harvard – Kennedy School Executive Education and others international organizations. Founder of INGEPO Consulting, and bimonthly Bulletin, Geostrategic Pulse”. Main areas of expertise – geopolitics, intelligence and security. ——————- Photographer: Ionus Paraschiv.    

By Tanja Fröhlich-Israng. I had the pleasure to spend three years in the Netherlands together with my family. Our child attended a Dutch kindergarten as well as a Dutch school. It was a great way of meeting a lot of people outside the expat community. Also, our neighbourhood was mainly Dutch. I would like to share my observations with you – the observations of a German woman who fell in love with the Dutch culture – apart from the fact of many tall attractive Dutch men wearing posh (brown) shoes. I treasure the Dutch culture especially the…. …characteristics of

• being straight forward,
• natural self-esteem,
• being practical, being helpful,
• being open – e.g. having a friendly chat just here and there,
• being ungrudging – a great virtue adding its part to a peaceful society,
• being patient – e.g. honking in traffic is rare,
• living and let live – judgemental thinking is rare,
• the existence of hierarchies which are simply not so important.

…culture of discussion The unagitated and un-capricious mentality in all aspects of life. The possibility to talk about more sensitive topics without returning sweeping judgements. …politics All of the above also reflects in politics which is built on cross-party consensus. It is refreshing to watch pragmatism in politics rather than all-time election campaign folklore. Politicians are accessible. The Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, for example since 2008 teaches two hours once a week at a school in a problem area of Den Haag. …family culture Children are an essential part of life. In the Netherlands this is not just paying lip service but inherent in most all-day-living aspects. The atmosphere breathes child friendliness and consideration. Children are generally well received almost wherever you go. There are some very advanced leisure or thematic parks for children and their parents (e.g. “Avifauna” or “Archeon”), inviting, well thought and organised, clean. Especially during holiday times there are a lot of offers for children such as theatre plays (great ones!!), outdoor activities, festivals, workshops, mostly already starting at the age of two. Visit wonderful museums or parts of it that specifically address children (e.g. the “Wonderkamers” in the Gemeentemuseum in Den Haag). Also, one of the most fantastic Christmas markets in Europe is the Country & Christmas fair at the extraordinary water castle Kasteel de Haar. …culture of taking care and engaging Being a volunteer – first and foremost “digging in your own garden” of your relatives, friends, people you know or other in a specific environment. It is about e.g. getting organized in a neighbourhood and/or helping elderly people, disabled people, disadvantaged children. There is a long grown implicitness in it, simply part of life. Egalitarian way / respect – and here I am deliberately choosing examples of simplicity, e.g. the natural way in having a talk with the public gardener or the street cleaner. Thus an appreciation of all jobs and professions simply as necessary parts of the puzzle called society. By the way – I love the clean toilets even at most (Dutch) frequented beach restaurants. To me this is also a sign of respect towards the owners and the cleaners. The love and individual care for children. The caretaking system belongs to the most advanced – e.g. a high density of choices of kindergarten and basic schools within reach of your neighbourhood. This includes the side-effect of no need for cars and parking as you either come by foot or by bike to bring or fetch your child. Only a few annual days of closure in kindergarten which are open at least till 6 pm. School starts at the age of four years and parents are an integral part of the school system – rather a community than a necessity. Voluntary work is mostly not perceived as a necessary burden but a fun part by parents (there are often more volunteers than tasks). I remember well I almost did not get in the louse seeking parental group… It is rather a social happening to see each other in the morning or the afternoon dropping or fetching the kids. …efficient health care Although as a foreigner you might never get used to it… The health care system is based, in general, on three pillars: (1) general practitioners, (2) wait and see plus (3) paracetamol. If there is medical necessity than a very well advanced hospital system kicks in. Fully digitalized but assisted inscription systems, appointments are on schedule, mostly friendly and hygienic looking waiting and caretaking areas, no overcrowded spots, specific children activities and provisions, advanced doctors, the absence of hectic but simultaneously efficiency. A concierge takes also care of the company in case of an emergency. …organizational culture If you ever thought Germans are organized – meet the Dutch. Pragmatism meets efficiency e.g. if there is a road construction site the road users will be informed well in advance also about the duration. In most cases the construction is completed before the final date. …way of keeping the country tidy and in order Believe it or not – there are specific dustbins for cyclists. You don’t have to stop – just throw. Roads, houses, bridges are constantly being taken care of if necessary 24/7. This is reflected also by clean and thus inviting environments at most places in the country. …arts & culture For a low fixed amount everybody can get an annual museum card providing free access to most of the museums in all of the Netherlands (so no excuses!). The museums are well thought, well maintained, modern and well curated. They are sometimes stunningly embedded in nature (such as the Kröller-Müller museum or the Museum Voorlinden). You will find your Dutch neighbours overproportionally directly or indirectly engaged in art: voluntary help at a museum, being a painter, writer, dancer, musician, sculptor, provider of art spaces. General high regard of art and culture. …sports culture The main population of the Netherlands are bicycles. Already the implicitness of being sportive by cycling makes a sportive nation. Plus keeping balance although transporting three kids and a Christmas tree at once. If there is sun you are outside. If not you are outside anyway. There is a general healthy way of living as the Dutch are “outsiders” obviously born with the resistance to wet or cold air. So they are cool without wanting to be by start wearing flip-flops and shorts as soon as the temperature exceeds around 10 ° C. There is always a lot of water throughout the Netherlands plus nice beaches so swimming is almost natural to everybody. Kite surfing, sailing and all possible other water sports are also regular. Hockey – what a nice sport – is quite popular and classes already run from the age of three. The million-euro dressage horse Totilas originates from the Netherlands as some of the best breeds nowadays. There are many other sports of course. Pick one it will be there.   …architecture and interior design Quite experimental architecture. One gets a good insight by visiting Rotterdam. The Dutch are not shy mixing different styles. Dutch architecture is certainly one thing not – boring. There might also wait a surprise entering a rather ugly perceived building which turns out extraordinary from the inside. Being invited into a house or flat of a Dutch citizens always is a great pleasure. There seems to be a natural way of decorating well also if the budget is limited. …way of being smart, experimental and highly innovative, just examples Magic control over water: protection against floods, land reclamation, navigability, nature protection, architecture & water, everyday life surrounded by water etc. – being world renowned experts. The Netherlands is leading in Connectivity in Europe, in particular when it comes to fixed broadband. The practical aspects of the digital world are well advanced (e.g. one chip card for the whole public transport system, free Wifi in all trains). In Dutch supermarkets you mostly get home grown products such as vegetables and fruits. Additionally the Dutch are market leader in Europe in exporting agricultural products and food. The worldwide list is headed by the USA but the Netherlands are already second. This is also due to the very well advanced high-technology which is an export hit as well. Having open space offices, flexible working hours and a preference for teleworking in every ministry is not fancied by everybody but a consequent experiment that followed the necessity for economizing structures. …obsessional foods Ok. Not every specific Dutch food is everybody’s cup of tea but you will always find alternatives. Truly there exists an obsession with peanuts (in their true sense). I will not forget a sport session where our instructor asked us to imagine being a peanut. Hagelslag for breakfast. Haring, hold it over your head and just put in your mouth. Having lunch usually means bread or soup or salade. Young, middle-aged, old aged cheese. Bitterballen and anything else deep-fried. Poffertjes – the only non-efficient food: a lot of effort for the smallest but so yummy pancakes. …particular traditions The Sinterklaas, the St Nicholas, is actually the real Father Christmas in the Netherlands 🙂 Already in November he arrives by ship from Spain, accompanied by the Zwarte Pieten. It is a happening and celebrated all over the country. The 5^th of December is the gift receiving day for all children. On Vlaggetjesdag the Dutch celebrate the new haring brought into the harbour. It is a big feast, do not miss. On 1st January the Nieuwjaarsduik takes place. If you are eager to have a real endorphin kick than try it out. Run with thousands of other enthusiasts into the sea and party. Creative small treats at specific occasions (e.g. birthdays, entering/leaving) already at kindergarten from one child for all children in class/caretakers. Be as creative as you wish. The song “Hoof, schouders, knie en teen” every Dutch knows and sings in all ages. Buurman & Buurman (although originally Czech) has been translated into Dutch and is a big success. Anyhow there is not much spoken. It is one of those down-to-earth, non-hectic or flashy but funny short movies (available on youtube) for children and adults of all ages. Buurman means neighbour and the two of them are puppets trying to figure out a lot of things together. ———- If you want to learn more: – meet the Dutch. The author: As part of a diplomats family Tanja Fröhlich-Israng lived for three years from 2014 to 2017 in Den Haag. She works for the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.