By Amanda Taylor, Research Assistant T.M.C. Asser Instituut
The Centre for the Law of EU External Relations (CLEER)- hosted by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut in The Hague- will convene the second conference relating to its current research project āHuman Security: a new framework for enhanced human rights in the EUās foreign security and migration policiesā.
This project is implemented with the support of the Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP) of the European Union. On the fourth of July 2014 the conference at T.M.C Asser Instituut will break new ground through its focus on the potential impact that the concept of Human Security can have, from a legal perspective, on the application of EU rules pertaining to asylum and border controls. Every Member State of the European Union is, in some way, affected by mixed movements of persons entering the territory from a third country. As a result, over the past few years, a complex set of challenges have been brought to the forefront, with many Member States struggling to co-ordinate their responses when faced with increasing numbers of economic migrants, irregular migrants and/or persons seeking international protection. This, in turn, has placed a spotlight on asylum instruments developed by the Union, who have had legislative competence in the field of migration, border controls and asylum since the nineties.
Union legislation along with policy programmes have been geared to the creation of a Common European Asylum System and a common policy on external border control. A main objective of the system has been to harmonise domestic legislation on minimum standards of protection for those in need. However, these legislative instruments have been put to the test in the aftermath of the Arab Spring and other events such as the on-going Syrian crises with academics criticising Member States selectivity of EU provisions and their poor enforcement. In turn, Member States, themselves, have criticised notions of āburden sharingā and āsolidarityā as being unequal, with certain countries bearing the brunt of EU asylum obligations.
It is in this environment that the CLEER conference seeks to cultivate a new approach to the topic through its evaluation of the CEAS in the light of the Human Security paradigm. A notion which is yet to be used in the context of European asylum law, but one which could enrich protection standards, since refugee movementsĀ are inextricably linked to and highly indicative of human insecurity. With a forum of expert speakers from both academic and practitioner backgrounds, the objective of the conference will be to trigger an inter-disciplinary debate taking stock and appraising recent legal and policy developments in the CEAS through the lens of Human Security.
The conference will be of direct interest to everyone working and studying in the area of Freedom, Security and Justice of the EU, notably the asylum and refugee fields. Each panel will be followed by a question and answer session allowing for the audience to participate in the debate, thereby forging new perspectives on EU asylum law and its protection regime.
For more information on the conference click here. The event is free of charge, however registration is required. Please register here.
The Hague. Direct from the European Commission. Energy security: Commission proposes broad strategy to increase supply.
InĀ response to the current geopolitical situation and the dependence on energy imports into the EU, the Commission proposes a new European energy security strategy.
The main points of which are
theĀ diversificationĀ of the external power supply,
update theĀ energy infrastructure,Ā and
energy saving.
The strategy also emphasizes the needĀ to coordinate national decisions in the field of energy policy and the importance of speaking with one voice in negotiations with external partners.Ā The Strategy builds on the progress already made āāsince the gas crisis of 2009.
For this winter to beĀ uninterrupted energy supply,Ā assured the Commission proposes to organize.Broad risk (stress tests)Ā Carried out at regional or EU level by simulating an interruption of the gas supply. The objective is to examine how the energy of the risks associated with the supply copes and develop contingency plans based on that and develop. Backup systems Such systems could mean that the gas be increased demand for gas is reduced (especially for heating), that emergency infrastructure is developed, for example, by completing the bidirectional capacity through fuel switching and existing energy security stocks partly be used jointly .
The Commission’s proposals will be discussed. By the Heads of State and Government of the EU at the European Council on 26 and 27 June
European Commissioner for Energy GĆ¼ntherĀ Oettinger:Ā “We want strong and stable partnerships with key suppliers, but should prevent us from falling prey to commercial blackmail the EU and its Member States have much homework to do:., We must collectively more solidarity with the vulnerable States., we also need to complete the internal market for energy, improve our infrastructure, energy efficient and our own energy resources exploitation. Moreover, we need to diversify rapidly in our external energy suppliers, especially gas. only concrete actions will slightly lash out. “
By Henri Estramant, Diplomat Magazine’s Diplomatic Adviser in Brussels.Ā
Baron Estramant, has interviewed the former King of Egypt about the ongoing unstable situation in his homeland. King Fuad II, was a child monarch from 26 July 1952 to 18 June 1953 when Egypt was proclaimed a republic. He was only six months old when his father King Farouk abdicated to appease revolutionary, anti-monarchist forces in Egypt. He was the last “monarch” of the Mohammed Ali Dynasty that had ruled Egypt since 1805.
You were nominally the 12th monarch of the Mohammed Ali Dynasty, and 3rd āKing of Egypt and Sudanā for a brief period between 26 July 1952 and 18 June 1953. Albeit you did not grow up in Egypt you see yourself as an Egyptian and a man with a ādutyā towards Egypt. How responsible do you feel for your country, and how can you achieve anything from your exile in Switzerland?
I have always felt that I have a ādutyā towards Egypt. There was a period when it would had been unwise for me to undertake anything concerning Egypt. Times have changed and hopefully are going to get better. Opportunities may arise in the future where I could promote Egypt in one way or another from wherever I live.
You were merely 6 months old when you became the constitutional yet nominal āKing of Egyptā, since then you have lived in exile mostly in Monaco, France, Morocco and Switzerland. What is your current status? Are you allowed to visit Egypt? Do you travel with an Egyptian passport? When were you there last? Are you now in a self-imposed exile?
I am an Egyptian Citizen. I can go to Egypt whenever I wish and I was last there four years ago.Ā As I could go and live there at any time I chose, the term self-imposed exile, which was true a few years ago, is inappropriate today. Call it a diplomatic decision.
There is a bit of revival, perhaps mostly nostalgic for royalty around the world once an oppressive regime falls. We experienced it in Afghanistan where the former monarch even became āFather of the Nationā, in Libya the Prime Minister asked parliament to restore the honour of Al Senussi. In the Balkans the end of Communism brought a wave of interest for the members of their deposed royal houses, however, the royals heirs were long kept away from Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, etc.Ā On the other hand, all the interest and media coverage has led to no political or cultural role for the heirs of deposed royal houses, with the exception of Cambodia in 1993 or the purely ceremonial role given to King Mohammed Zaher Shah of Afghanistan. Are you not missing out by staying away from Egypt? Could you not return to your country without being involved into its complicated politics?
Egypt is coming out of a serious political turmoil. My presence there could had been misconstrued or misused even if I had kept myself totally out of politics. I have never wished to be a burden or an involuntary hindrance to the Egyptian Authorities. I do not have to live there to serve my country.
You have stated in the past that you do not support any monarchist political parties or endorse any political movements. Would you rather see yourself as a cultural ambassador for your country?
I would welcome the opportunity to serve Egypt as a cultural ambassador or in any other useful capacity. However, it must be well understood that I would undertake such a duty Ā only with the approval and cooperation of the Egyptian Government in power.
The nostalgia for a monarchical system has been reverberating in Libya whereas in Egypt the monarchical past has not sparked the same enthusiasm, particularly not amongst the younger generation which makes up the bulk of the population. Ā Do you think it might have to do with the bad image spread during the last 60 years against your father King Farouk I? Some people might portray your dynasty as foreign because of its Albanian-Turkish roots?
The bad image that was so falsely spread during the last 60 years against my father King Farouk has been greatly corrected over the last few years and another picture emerges today. A lot remains to be done. I am confident that historians and some are already at work, will restore the truth about my fatherās reign and work as it was so badly distorted after his abdication.
Politically you are not relevant, yet, one day you may be called upon in playing a role, even if ceremonial in contemporary Egypt. What are your visions? How do you think you can be useful to your country? What would be the ideal and realistic scenario for you?
I think I have already answered that question. Future events are in the hands of Allah.
Your eldest son and heir, HRH The Prince of the Saāid (Upper Egypt), Mohammed Ali, wed last year a grand-daughter of Afghanistanās last monarch, Princess Noal Zaher Khanum, in Istanbul. He was even born in Cairo unlike his siblings. Did you have to request a special permission for it back in 1979? How active is your eldest son in the Egyptian cause? How close does he follow the ongoing developments in Egypt?
Yes, a special permission was given by the late President Sadat for my eldest son to be born in Egypt. Of course, he keeps himself fully aware of anything that has to do with Egypt. His involvement is however limited for the very simple reason that he has to work like any ordinary human being to earn his daily bread.
Henri Estramant, Diplomat Magazine’s Diplomatic Advisor. Photography by Henri Estramant.How active are your other two children, Princess Fawzia and Prince Fakhr Eddin?
Like her elder brother, Princess Fawzia works for her living. She did spend a few months in Egypt some four years ago and worked in a commercial office for a while. Prince Fakhr El Din is still studying.
Are you/your family currently involved in any charities or humanitarian aid for the Egyptian people?
Again, we have to be very careful as to any involvement my family may have in Egypt and ensure it is not misinterpreted. As far as any participation we may have in charities or humanitarian aid, it must remain within the realm of the private sphere of our lives.
Have you considered dispatching one of your children or another junior member of the Royal House to Egypt to pave the way for your return, even if only as a private citizen?
I am not a person who rejects help. However, in the event of any likely return to Egypt, I fail to see at present the necessity or need to dispatch a member of the Royal House to pave the way for me.
As an Egyptian what changes would you like to see taking place in Egypt?
Better social justice and standards of Ā living.Ā Better education and enhanced equality of opportunities for all. Finally but not least, peace and political stability for Egypt without which the former cannot be achieved.
By Bonnie Klap, Editor in Chief.
This month the Diplomat Magazine Netherlands celebrates its first year anniversary. From itsĀ small and humble beginnings, operatingĀ with just a handful of volunteers, this publication has transformedĀ into a thriving and well known Online-magazine (soon glossy printed magazine), boasting tens of thousands of readers every day and counting. Although the success of Diplomat Magazine can be attributed to the hard work and enthusiasm of its entire team of volunteers,Ā it is fair to sayĀ that the invisible and driving force behind Diplomat Magazine is its Honorary Associate Publisher Dr. Eugenio Matos.Ā I would therefore like to take the opportunityĀ to elaborate on the varied skills and talents of this unique diplomat.
Dr. Eugenio Matos, Minister Counselor of the Dominican Republic Embassy in The Hague and ā in cooperation withĀ several Heads of Diplomatic Missions accredited to The Netherlands, is a volunteer co-founder of the Diplomat Magazine Netherlands. Recently he was also involved in the launch of Diplomat Club Wassenaar, a spin-off of the hugely successful monthly DMG , Diplomats Meet and Greet, of which Dr.Matos was also a driving force. It is evidentĀ that he is a tireless supporter of the entire Diplomatic Community of The Hague and a great connector of people. Although highlyĀ educated, he holdsĀ a PhD in Civil law in the DR, a Bachelorās degree in law from the University of Ottawa, Masters degree in Diplomacy and Public Administration in UK, and currently recipient of a Executive Master Degree scholarship from the Government of Taiwan,Ā Dr. Matos has never neglected his great musical talent as violinist. From left on the picture, some of 20+ ambassadors who attended the concertĀ T.H. from Guatemala Jorge Alfredo Lemcke Arevalo, Kazakhstan Mainyura Saudabaeva, Tunisia Karim Ben Becher , El Salvador Vladimiro P. Villalta, Honduras Mauricio Ricardo Aguilar Robles, Israel Haim Divon, Ukraine Olexander Horin, Switzerland Markus BƶrlinĀ together with Dutch Harpist Emilie Bastien and Dominican Republic violinist Eugenio Matos.
Eugenio Matos started his advanced violin studies at age 13 at the National Conservatory of Music in Santo Domingo,Ā Dominican Republic, joining the National Symphony as one its youngest members only few years later. He officially represented his country overseas, such as Puerto Rico, Uruguay, Venezuela, Brazil, USA and Canada amongst others. His unmistakable talent has earned him scholarshipsĀ from impressive music schools, such as the world famous Julliard School of Music in New York and inĀ Russia. During his diplomatic posting in Canada, Dr. Matos performed as guest violinist at embassies in Ottawa such as the US, Ā Spain, Mexico, Italy, Finland, Ā Peru the EU, to name a few. In 2003 he was invited by Maestro Carlos Piantini to join the Dominican Symphony Orchestra in New York as well as later on in Valladolid, Spain. He also had the honor to be invited by the Dominican Republic Embassy in Ottawa to perform as a violin soloist at the University of Ottawa in the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Ā diplomatic relations between Canada and the Dominican Republic.
In 2013 International Criminal Courtās President Song invited him to perform as guest violinist for this prestigious international organization. His most recent performance was at the magnificent Castle āThe Wittenburgā in Wassenaar last May at the launch of the Diplomat Club Wassenaar. Hundreds of guests, distinguished Dutch and International personalities, a large number of Ambassadors and members of the press attended, while Dr. Matos performed renowned pieces of Dvorak, Don Julio Alberto Hernandez (Dominican Republic composer) and Schumann, together with two talented musicians from the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. Although Dr. Matos is modest by nature, his tireless energy and relentless enthusiasm hasĀ enabledĀ him to establish himself as a prominent and well known diplomat in The Hague. He is a tireless supporter of cultural diplomacy activity as well. Dr. Eugenio Matos is a true Renaissance man, Ā āA jack of many tradesā as per Ottawa-based Canadian journalist Brian Adeba*.
The Hague, direct fromĀ Hague Conference on Private International Law.
A meeting of the Special Commission on the Practical Operation of the Service, Evidence and Access to Justice Conventions concluded today after four days of constructive discussions among some 130 experts representing 53 States and several international governmental and non-governmental organisations.
The agenda covered a range of issues relating to the three Conventions, which establish a worldwide regime to facilitate co-operation in international civil procedure. Experts considered draft new and revised editions of the Handbooks on the Service and Evidence Conventions, as well as measures to further improve cross-border judicial and administrative co-operation in civil and commercial matters, including the use of electronic means of communication. The meeting provided a unique forum for authorities of the various Contracting States to share concerns and experiences in relation to the interpretation and application of the Conventions.
The Special Commission last met in February 2009 (seeĀ here). Since that time, the use of information technology in civil procedure has become more widespread, particularly with regard to e-service and the taking of evidence by video-link. Recalling that the use of information technology is consistent with the framework of the Service and Evidence Conventions and that it can facilitate their operation, experts unanimously recommended that an Expertsā Group be established to investigate issues that may arise with the use of technologies such as video links, and invited the Permanent Bureau to continue monitoring developments in the area of service by electronic means.
Experts also agreed to a process for finalising a new edition of the Evidence Handbook and an updated edition of the Service Handbook, acknowledging their utility to users of the Conventions. It is expected that the Handbooks will be finalised in the near future, subject to their endorsement by the Council on General Affairs and Policy of the Conference at its next meeting in April 2015.
Conclusions and Recommendations of this meeting will be availableĀ <Ā hereĀ >Ā in the coming days.
CONTACTĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Micah Thorner
Hague Conference on Private International Law
Tel: +31 (0)70 363 3303
Fax: +31 (0)70 360 4867
E-mail:Ā secretariat@hcch.net
Website:Ā www.hcch.net
Head of Diplomatic missions, diplomats in general, their families and friends are invited to celebrate Diplomat Magazine’s 1st Anniversary in an informal relaxed way on Friday June 27th, from 5pm till 23h00. Staff from International Organizations are also welcomed to join us. Free admission, welcome drink and surprises.
Diplomat Magazine, the first diplomatic magazine in the Netherlands by and for diplomats.
Are you also aware of Diplomat Magazine’s Ā series of One Day excursions by luxurious coaches for diplomat families and friends? Ā Click here:Ā https://diplomatmagazine.eu/2014/05/11/diplomatic-excursion-huge-success/
Ukraine can be saved, if it sets an inclusive strategy against the divisive strategy of Russia.By Barend ter Haar, fellow of Clingendael, Netherlands Institute of International Relations
So far, only Russia seems to have a deliberate strategy: it wants to restore as much as it can of the Soviet empire, but step by step and at low costs. The first step is to draw successor states back in its sphere of influence. As authoritarian states such as Belarus have nowhere else to go to, this strategy is working quite well. Secondly, when a country threatens to leave MoscowĀ“s orbit, Moscow will promote its disintegration to keep as many parts as possible in its sphere of influence. Transnistria, Abkhazia and South Ossetia illustrate this policy. Thirdly, full annexation can wait, until (almost) everybody is used to the idea and an opportunity arises to do so with little cost.
Time is a crucial factor and time seems to be on Russia Ā“s side. It can wait until Ukraine falls apart (and secretly promote that). What can Ukraine do to thwart this strategy?
Above all, the government should not play in RussiaĀ“s hands by forcing protestors into the pro-Russian camp. It threatens to do so when it lumps together under the heading of terrorists both protesters that occupy buildings and people that torture and kill.
To prevent that East-Ukrainian protestors believe they have no other options than independence or joining Russia, the government should make clear that it recognizes the following:
The great majority of protestors, both in Kiev and in the Eastern provinces are protesting for good reasons against years of corrupted governance.
Most of the protestors in the East are partners for reform, not opponents.
All perpetrators of terroristic actions, such as murder and torture, should be brought to justice, irrespective of their political views, including the perpetrators of the fire in Odessa.
Many Ukrainians combine close linguistic, historical and economic links with Russia with support for Ukrainian independence.
Ukraineās system of government should be adapted to reflect the diversity of the country and to protect minorities.
Ukraine needs close and good relations with both the European Union and Russia (even if relations with Russia have been gravely damaged by the occupation of the Crimea).
In short, to have a chance on success, the Ukrainian government needs the wisdom and the courage to fight polarization in order to win the hearts and minds of the population of the Eastern provinces.
By Bonnie Klap, Editor in Chief.
On May 28 the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the new US Embassy tookĀ place.Ā The new Embassy will be built in Wassenaar and is expected to be completed in 2017.Ā His Excellency Mr. Timothy M. Broas, Ambassador of the United States of America, impressed all attendees by welcoming his guests in fluent Dutch. Ambassador Broas also emphasized that ā in his own words ā āWe have worked hard to preserve the character and beauty of the green zone in which we are located, to maintain the accessibility and mobility for all, and to minimize our carbon foorprint.ā Honoring the veryĀ first US- Ambassador to The Netherlands, the US Embassyās address will be John Adams Park 1. Afterwards the actual groundbreakingĀ ceremony was performed byĀ Ambassador Broas, Mayor Jan Hoekema of Wassenaar, Mr. Philip Barth, Project Director of the new US Embassy CompoundĀ and a representative of the construction company.
By Jhr. mr. Alexander W. Beelaerts van Blokland, Justice (Judge) in the Court of Appeal and Special Advisor International Affairs of the Municipality of The Hague.
Before the summer holidays 2014 will start in July, The Hague offers all of us a lot of nice events in June. Too many to mention them all, but I will chose some you will prabably like.
Those who know about Dutch history will know that Indonesia was a Dutch colony until after World War II, since when a lot of inhabitants of that hugue Asian country emigrated to The Netherlands, especially to The Hague. The expression āThe Hague is the widow of the former Dutch East Indiesā was born then. At the moment the annual Tong Tong Festival is running at the Malieveld. Nice for those who want to ātasteā the previous three centuries of Dutch Asia that will never come back again.
The world looks forward to the World Cup football (soccer) that will start in June in Brasil, but The Hague has at the moment its own World Cups: in field hockey, men and ladies. Participants are Argentina, Australia, Belgium, China, England, Germany, India, Korea, Malaysia, The Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain and the United States of America. Around Kyocera Stadium every night the culture, food, drinks etc. ofĀ one of the the participating countries ādaily changing -will have special attention.
On Thursday June 12th the ānew Dutch herringā (a sea fish) will āarriveā in Scheveningen, which will be celebrated then and the days after (Saturday June 14th: āVlaggetjesdagā) everywhere in and around Scheveningen. The Dutch eat it raw and please try to do as the Dutch do: if not immediately, you probably will find it delicious as well after some time !
The King will come to The Hague in June twice: for the opening of the yearly Sculptures Exposition, this year called āGrandeurā (French sculptors), in the Kloosterkerk church on Tuesday June 17th and for the Grand Opening of the renewed and enlarged Mauritshuis Museum āsmall but world famous – on Friday June 27th.
And please donāt forget Festival Classique: many beautiful concerts in the open air in the centre, around āand even on ! – the Hofvijver, which is the pond next to the Binnenhof (parliament).
Enjoy Jolly June in The Hague !
a.beelaerts@planet.nl
By Dr. Huub RuĆ«l.Ā
Windesheim University of Applied Sciences (Zwolle).
Commercial diplomacy has become a priority in the foreign policies of many countries around the world. Embassies and consulates play an important role in effective commercial diplomacy. For this they need qualified staff. But how are commercial diplomats selected and trained for their work?
For many young professionals, working as a diplomat can be very rewarding, and many diplomats love their work as they experience it as being relevant. Being a commercial diplomat usually means living in a foreign country, with family or partner, for a number of years. In addition to commercial and business skills, it requires skills and competences to adapt to new environments, legislation, cultures, lifestyles, and build networks. How do they perceive the nature of their work and living abroad?
We[i] conducted a study on commercial diplomatsā work satisfaction and level of adaption by interviewing a group of commercial diplomats, and inviting them to fill out a questionnaire.
The results showed that most commercial diplomats in our study were hired by the diplomatic service immediately after they finished their initial university degree program.Ā They were then trained to become a generalist, rather than a specialist in commercial diplomacy. Hardly any of the commercial diplomats in our study had private sector experience. For most of them, the nature of the work, lifestyle and career development opportunities were the motivating factors to apply for a position in the diplomatic service.
Commercial diplomats in our study mentioned that they do not receive significant training during their stay at a foreign post. Specific training programs on marketing, commerce and finance were not provided in most cases.
Regarding work satisfaction, female commercial diplomats appeared to be more satisfied with their work than their male colleagues, and commercial diplomats working in developed countries were more satisfied than ones working in emerging economies.
Commercial diplomats seemed to be well adapted to living and working in their host countries. Our study showed that receiving cross-cultural training is positively related to both general adaption and work adaption. The duration of experience in current postings does contribute to general adaption, but not to work adaption.
Our study suggests that general adaption and work adaption seem to have a positive influence on work satisfaction. The more commercial diplomats feel adapted to living abroad and to their work, the greater their work satisfaction.
In conclusion, our study indicates that countries need to improve the preparation and training of their current andĀ future commercial diplomats. Training in business and commerce as well as cross-cultural training can improve the commercial diplomatsā adaption to living abroad and to their work. This in turn contributes to their overall work satisfaction.
Since commercial diplomacy has become important for many countries, it is key to recruit, select and train professionals specifically to develop their commercial diplomacy competences. Training programs for young diplomats should contain modules on international business and trade and investment promotion, and additional programs should be offered during postings. The modern international business environment is complex and requires highly qualified diplomats.
From left on the picture, some of 20+ ambassadors who attended the concertĀ T.H. from Guatemala Jorge Alfredo Lemcke Arevalo, Kazakhstan Mainyura Saudabaeva, Tunisia Karim Ben Becher , El Salvador Vladimiro P. Villalta, Honduras Mauricio Ricardo Aguilar Robles, Israel Haim Divon, Ukraine Olexander Horin, Switzerland Markus BƶrlinĀ together with Dutch Harpist Emilie Bastien and Dominican Republic violinist Eugenio Matos.
Eugenio Matos started his advanced violin studies at age 13 at the National Conservatory of Music in Santo Domingo,Ā Dominican Republic, joining the National Symphony as one its youngest members only few years later. He officially represented his country overseas, such as Puerto Rico, Uruguay, Venezuela, Brazil, USA and Canada amongst others. His unmistakable talent has earned him scholarshipsĀ from impressive music schools, such as the world famous Julliard School of Music in New York and inĀ Russia. During his diplomatic posting in Canada, Dr. Matos performed as guest violinist at embassies in Ottawa such as the US, Ā Spain, Mexico, Italy, Finland, Ā Peru the EU, to name a few. In 2003 he was invited by Maestro Carlos Piantini to join the Dominican Symphony Orchestra in New York as well as later on in Valladolid, Spain. He also had the honor to be invited by the Dominican Republic Embassy in Ottawa to perform as a violin soloist at the University of Ottawa in the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Ā diplomatic relations between Canada and the Dominican Republic. 
In 2013 International Criminal Courtās President Song invited him to perform as guest violinist for this prestigious international organization. His most recent performance was at the magnificent Castle āThe Wittenburgā in Wassenaar last May at the launch of the Diplomat Club Wassenaar. Hundreds of guests, distinguished Dutch and International personalities, a large number of Ambassadors and members of the press attended, while Dr. Matos performed renowned pieces of Dvorak, Don Julio Alberto Hernandez (Dominican Republic composer) and Schumann, together with two talented musicians from the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. Although Dr. Matos is modest by nature, his tireless energy and relentless enthusiasm hasĀ enabledĀ him to establish himself as a prominent and well known diplomat in The Hague. He is a tireless supporter of cultural diplomacy activity as well. Dr. Eugenio Matos is a true Renaissance man, Ā āA jack of many tradesā as per Ottawa-based Canadian journalist Brian Adeba*.
From left on the picture, some of 20+ ambassadors who attended the concertĀ T.H. from Guatemala Jorge Alfredo Lemcke Arevalo, Kazakhstan Mainyura Saudabaeva, Tunisia Karim Ben Becher , El Salvador Vladimiro P. Villalta, Honduras Mauricio Ricardo Aguilar Robles, Israel Haim Divon, Ukraine Olexander Horin, Switzerland Markus BƶrlinĀ together with Dutch Harpist Emilie Bastien and Dominican Republic violinist Eugenio Matos.
Eugenio Matos started his advanced violin studies at age 13 at the National Conservatory of Music in Santo Domingo,Ā Dominican Republic, joining the National Symphony as one its youngest members only few years later. He officially represented his country overseas, such as Puerto Rico, Uruguay, Venezuela, Brazil, USA and Canada amongst others. His unmistakable talent has earned him scholarshipsĀ from impressive music schools, such as the world famous Julliard School of Music in New York and inĀ Russia. During his diplomatic posting in Canada, Dr. Matos performed as guest violinist at embassies in Ottawa such as the US, Ā Spain, Mexico, Italy, Finland, Ā Peru the EU, to name a few. In 2003 he was invited by Maestro Carlos Piantini to join the Dominican Symphony Orchestra in New York as well as later on in Valladolid, Spain. He also had the honor to be invited by the Dominican Republic Embassy in Ottawa to perform as a violin soloist at the University of Ottawa in the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Ā diplomatic relations between Canada and the Dominican Republic.
