On May 9, the exhibition “Peace and Security in Europe” was officially opened in The Hague’s City Hall. Situated in The Hague, “the City of Peace and Justice”, the setting of the exhibition could not have been more suitable for celebrating Europe Day. The reception was opened with a warm welcome speech by  the Honourable Jozias van Aartsen Mayor of The Hague who reminded the audience of the formidable historic and current challenges to Europe’s peace and security. For additional Marina van Noort’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157667578684180  

The first guest to take the floor was Eduard Slootweg, Head of the European Parliament Information Office, who explained the background of the Europe Day, namely its function in recalling the Schuman Plan of 1950 which laid the foundation for a lasting peace within Europe and today’s the European Union. How does Europe provide and protect its peace and security today? This question was answered by representatives of the most important institutions themselves – Europol, Eurojust and the European Commission. Gerald Hesztera, Head of Corporate Communications at Europol, described the central role of Europol as a hub for all police forces in Europe with headquarters in The Hague.

Europol is an indispensable actor in its support and coordination of law enforcement operations across Europe. Ms. Michèle Coninsx, President of Eurojust, referred to the organization’s significance in fighting international and cross-border crime. Eurojust takes a central role in supporting EU member state in cross-border investigations and prosecutions, while at the same time closely cooperating with third states. Lastly, Peter Bekx, director of the European Commission Representation in The Netherlands, explained the key function of the European Union itself in defending peace and security. The official part of the reception was concluded by Jan Hennop, former President of the Foreign Press Association, who invited all guests to toast to both, the Europe Day and the exhibition.

The exhibition itself is composed of two parts – on the one hand presenting the work of Eurojust, Europol and the European Commission and their integral role in the maintenance and protection of European security and peace. On the other hand displaying a selection of the powerful cartoons by Ali Ferzat, a Syrian caricaturist who won the Sakharov Freedom Prize of thought in 2011 which is awarded to individuals with an exceptional contribution fighting for human rights. In the same year, Ferzat was severely attacked by unknowns who deliberately broke his fingers. Despite the attacks and various threats, Mr Ferzat continues to be one of the regime’s most outspoken critics through his word and his art. Given that he is currently living in exile in Kuwait, he could unfortunately not attend the reception.  

 Artist / photographer Stephan Vanfleteren and H.E. Ambassador Chris Hoornaert.  By Roy Lie A Tjam. For the fourth consecutive year the residence of the Belgium Ambassador in The Hague served as a venue for the showcasing of Belgian artists. The initiative for this annual event was taken by the previous Ambassador, with the aim of providing an opportunity for all ten Belgian provinces to promote their art in the Netherlands. This time around it was the turn of the province of West-Vlaanderen. The theme chosen was “Het Verbeelde Westen” (The Imaginary West). A large delegation visited The Hague for the vernissage, which was attended not only by the Flemish community in the Netherlands but also by many invitees such as heads of diplomatic missions, dignitaries and other friends of Belgium. For additional Marian van Noort’s pictures, please open the following link:https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157668008881611

In his welcome address, H.E. Ambassador Chris Hoornaert referred to the good neighbour relationship between Belgium and the Netherlands. There are plenty of striking similarities between the two countries, he observed. Ambassador Hoornaert praised the ten participating artists for the outstanding contribution they have made to West-Vlaanderen.

The exhibition includes works from the provincial collection, the collection Mu.ZEE and from the artists themselves: Charif Benhelima, Ronny Delrue, Wim Delvoye, Robert Devriendt, Lili Dujourie, Nick Ervinck, Stéphanie Leblon, Johan Tahon, Stephan Vanfleteren and Johan van Geluwe. Ambassador Hoornaert was followed by the Governor of the Province of West-Vlaanderen, Mr. Carl Decluwe, and then by Mr. Jan Denolf, Provincial Cultural Director. Both expressed their admiration for the exposition and praised the close cooperation between Belgium and the Netherlands.

The Province of Vlaanderen successfully gained the support of a number of sponsors for the exhibition, including beer brewers and producers of gin, chocolate, cheese and Belgian delicacies. Many argue that the best beer in the world comes from Belgium, and in particular from the Province of West-Vlaanderen which is today in the limelight. The Ambassador himself hails from West-Vlaanderen. Aside from the art exhibition, there was also a token of Belgian hospitality: a constant flow of savoury snacks, beer and other beverages. Visitors were offered a specially designed catalogue in which photographer Frederik Vercruysse, renowned at home and abroad for his architectural and interior photos, gives one an impression of the building where the exhibition is now taking place – an impressive mansion built in 1925. The exhibition will run until the end of 2016.