As a professor of practice, Mendeltje analyzes the impact of EU policies on regions, municipalities, agencies, SMEs, and national governments. As Jean Monnet Chair 'EU Act Digital,' Mendeltje's focus is on the impact of EU digital policy.

dr. Mendeltje van Keulen 

In Retourtje Brussel, Chris Aalberts and Mendeltje van Keulen talk to Dutch nationals working in Brussels. This creates a colourful picture of how European cooperation takes shape in practice and how 'the Netherlands' influences it. That makes this book a must-read for professionals who come into contact with the EU and for anyone who wants to understand the EU better.

'Retourtje Brussel: hoe Nederlanders werken aan de Europese Unie' was written with Mendeltje van Keulen and is published by Boom Bestuurskunde. The book is available in bookshops (ISBN 9789462363236). There is also a digital version (ISBN: 9789400111783).

Saïd Fazili (Ministry of General Affairs): 'Countries never want to be isolated within the EU'

Martijn Grevink (European Commission): The Commission is usually at the table from the beginning to the end'

Anne-Margreet Sas (Permanent Representation): When you negotiate, you know: we have to do it together'

Lara Wolters (European Parliament): 'As rapporteur, you quickly receive twenty centimetres of amendments'

Mielle Bulterman (Ministry of Foreign Affairs): 'Every national judge is also a European judge'

Robert van Asten (Municipality of The Hague): 'It's useful if you have a player on the field in Brussels'

Niels Schreuder (AGC): 'The organisations you work for need to be convinced of your reliability'

Kysia Hekster (NOS): 'We barely manage to meet the demand for Brussels news'

For many people, it is difficult to get a grip on the European Union: what is happening there and and how can you influence it? You only need to turn on the television and you will hear politicians claim that 'Brussels' has decided something about our wildlife reserves, the climate or the economy. So it often seems like the EU is taking measures we have no influence over at all. This is not true, but then how does it work?


To Brussels and back

This is what the Policy and Operations Evaluation Department (IOB) of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been looking into. One of the outcomes of their evaluation is a proposed 

 designed for the Dutch government on how to exert their influence in the EU, with the following elements:

1. 

 Build a big network; this is essential if you want to build trust and have important people close to you.

2. 

 Have an eye for detail; keep up with the latest EU policies and legislative processes and know what interests you the most.

3. 

 Analyze the Dutch environment and stakeholders to understand their interests.

4. 

Analyze the the interests of EU institutions and member states to identify the feasibility of Dutch ideas.

5. 

Develop a strong position on EU dossiers, supported by evidence.

6. 

Build coalitions with other member states to influence the EU agenda.

7. 

Develop a SMART plan of action to achieve desired outcomes by utilizing all tools in the toolbox.

8. 

 Formulate ambitions and solutions through professional subject matter expertise.

9. 

Communicate the Dutch message effectively through verbal and non-verbal channels.

10. 

 Engage in outreach activities to shape public opinion on policy issues.

11. 

Hold public accountability and foster learning through research.


While the toolkit provides a practical guide for future influence, the IOB evaluation also reveals the current state of the Netherlands’ EU influence. The country was found to be a country that 'regularly punched above its weight' compared to other EU member states. This is a result of a combination of professional knowledge, an active Dutch Permanent Representation and, in general, a well organised and reliable partner in the EU landscape. That being said, this status is not permanent, and further involvement in the recent geopolitical developments is needed. The toolbox can be of aid for this.

The IOB evaluation looked at the level of influence between 2016-2023, through five literature studies on the different steps of the decision-making process in the EU and a further five case studies. Our researchers Marije Cornelissen and Vasilis Karakasis conducted a literature review of the 

. You can read more about their literature review 

. Our researcher Tibor Hargitai also did a case study on raising The Netherlands' climate ambitions by 2030. The case study can be found 

.

The Netherlands has an opportunity to become a powerful player in shaping EU policy. The country now has a starting point with the findings of the IOB evaluation, and a toolkit to accompany it.

If you are interested in the full evaluation, you can access it on IOB's website 

In an ever-changing EU political landscape, the political power of member states shifts accordingly. As the responsibilities of the EU increase, member states are trying harder and harder to put their national interests at the top of this agenda. 

The question arises: How can the Netherlands ensure its problems and interests are heard by the other 26 EU member states? 

IOB Evaluation: A toolbox to make The Netherlands influential in the EU (again) 

Almost all the issues discussed in the Dutch Parliament and Senate have an EU dimension. However, there is little attention to this in the national media. For the past few years, Mendeltje van Keulen shed more light on this by writing a weekly column for the news platform Brusselse Nieuwe.

The current bi-weekly columns can be accessed 

In these columns, she opened the ‘post from Brussels’ for The Hague and wrote about noteworthy developments. "Quite often, there is something in it that involves tension, conflict, or organisations that have missed something," says Mendeltje van Keulen.

These columns are now compiled in the book 'Post from Brussels', published by Brusselse Nieuwe and available for purchase through their 

Curious about how European developments influence our Dutch parliamentary dossiers? In 'Post from Brussels', Mendeltje van Keulen reveals the important but often overlooked EU dimensions. Read her collection of columns and gain insight into what is missed by the national media.

Post from Brussels

How can municipalities learn from each other on thematic issues like European regulation, knowledge sharing, and funding opportunities, but also on organisational issues like how to develop EU awareness within the organisation or how to deal with capacity constraints? In order to address such questions and concerns, European Impact continuously collaborates with Dutch municipalities in order to help them become more “Europe-savvy”.

In 2023, together with the Province of South Holland and the Municipalities of The Hague, Dordrecht, Leiden and Rotterdam, European Impact hosted a Community of Practice (CoP) to explore how municipalities and provinces are working on European opportunities. Based on the findings from the CoP, our team of researchers wrote 13 recommendations towards the municipalities in regards to becoming a “Europe-savvy organisation”. These 13 recommendations are laid out in this 

Many municipalities, including those in the Netherlands, find it difficult to get a grip on European opportunities and challenges and to respond to them effectively. Four factors are usually lacking, namely (1) EU-awareness within the organisation, (2) an overarching European long-term strategy or vision within the organisation, (3) a pro-active knowledge sharing and (4) available capacity and resources.

 ‘Europe as an opportunity’ – Increasing EU awareness in municipalities 

Over the next three years, Dutch companies, NGOs, municipalities, and ministries will face 13 new European laws, all related to 'digitalisation': the influence of information and communication technology on behaviour, government, society, security, etc. This means there is work ahead for the current generation of students, who need to learn about the dilemmas and solutions that our society will face.

Without government regulation, companies take control of our data, rights, and behavior. To prevent this and regulate this, we need knowledge and talent. That is the theme of the Jean Monnet Chair at The Hague University of Applied Sciences.

The Hague University of Applied Sciences, through its bachelor programmes in European Studies (ES), Governance and Organisation, and Law, nurtures young public professionals who will regulate digital technology. Through podcasts and events created by and for students, we raise awareness of the importance of digital regulation in Europe for a safe and inclusive society.

The Jean Monnet Chair establishes a sustainable network involving governments, businesses, and students and teachers in The Hague's ecosystem as an international city of Peace and Justice. The professional field can inform vocational education about the latest developments. In the municipality of The Hague, for instance, there are plans to translate peace and justice into the digital domain.

The grant spans three years, from January 1, 2024, to January 1, 2026. Each calendar year includes planned activities such as public events; podcasts created by and for students; guest lectures in the European Studies bachelor programme (Political Challenges and Managing Organisations in Europe); university-wide minor EU Law and Governance; HHS Summer School Peace and Justice; field assignments with professional practice for the university-wide minor Challenges to European Governance; and in the European Studies bachelor programme, subjects such as Applied Research Methods, Facing Europe’s Challenges; Fundraising in Europe, and the Europe Desk.

Find 


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Twice a year, an advisory board of industry experts convenes to contribute to the programme. As of January 1, 2024, the advisory board comprises the following individuals:

Bart Groothuis, Member of the European Parliament for VvD/Renew

Rogier Klimbie, public affairs advisor for startups, former Google

Gertrude Kort, advisor of the Centre of expertise ‘Europa decentraal’

Sandra Leenders, EU advisor of the Digital Affairs Committee of the Dutch House of Representatives

Lisa Vermeer, senior coordinating policy officer Digital Affairs, Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs

Witte Wijsmuller, DG Connect, European Commission

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Can big tech be controlled? Can the government ensure your bank card stays secure in an e-wallet on your phone? Can algorithms be prevented from discrimination, and social media from being flooded with fake news? 

Jean Monnet Chair EU-ACT DIGITAL, funded by the European Union

As a network of 20 universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands, 

 works to strengthen the European research profile of its members. By having a Liaison Officer stationed in Brussels, this collaborative group is able to increase its visibility and exert influence on European policy. In addition, UASNL works as a knowledge broker in Brussels, collaborating with other European stakeholders.

We are temporarily fulfilling the role of Liaison Officer and Lobbyist for UASNL. This means that we are involved in the communication and lobbying of the interests of universities of applied sciences, such as closely following research and innovation dossiers and contributing to position papers. We also organise working visits to Brussels and manage communication. In addition, we are conducting an evaluation study, for which we are interviewing various internal and external stakeholders.

This combination of activities enables us not only to conduct research in collaboration with the field but also to actively be part of the sector we are working in. The outcomes of our activities will be translated into concrete advice for UASNL, helping them to structure the role of Liaison Officer in the most effective way.

Curious if this approach might also suit the challenges of your company or organisation? Feel free to contact one of our team members, Mendeltje van Keulen, Maaike de Loor or Remmelt de Weerd.

How can we effectively highlight the interests of applied research within the European Union? Since June of this year, three members of the European Impact team have been actively working on this question for UASNL, a network of 20 Dutch universities of applied sciences. Through practical research and temporarily fulfilling the role of Lobbyist.

A platform for applied research in the European Union

The European Studies programme at The Hague University of Applied Sciences educates students to become professionals who can work successfully in a European context. During this programme students become aware of issues such as intercultural sensitivity, networking skills and how to work with (-in)different layers of government. In European Studies, students learn to become European professionals. Their knowledge and skills provide a good basis for solving European problems.

However, it takes more than just theoretical knowledge to become a successful professional. This research project focuses on the 'soft skills' that are important to effectively enter the European labour market. With a special methodology, the 'Q-method', the insights of EU officials, lobbyists, NGO workers, HR managers and alumni of the European Studies programme are tested. The results of this research are used to improve the curriculum of the European Studies programme and the training course for professionals. Are you interested in cooperation?

What skills should students develop to become successful European professionals? This question lies at the heart of this research project.

The soft skills of a European professional

In this project, EU professionals are -literally- put in the spotlight. Over the course of a year, we photographed 50 professionals in the Netherlands while they were working on one of the European priorities and interviewed them about the European components of their work. These professionals represented a wide range of careers (e.g. journalists, policy officers/advisors, lecturers, etc.). Their portraits were published online and consolidated in a printed magazine called

. This magazine is used for various workshops and events aimed at students and professionals, informing them on career opportunities in the European field and the diversity of EU work within the member states.

The goal of carrying out the interviews with the professionals was to provide insight into the daily work that goes into shaping Europe through an accessible format. In doing so, the emphasis was put on the “how” and “what” of the EU instead of on the pro/anti discourse that is often dominant in the Netherlands.

Many citizens and (future) professionals have a limited view of the EU. Some believe that EU technocrats come up with rules that are thrown at them and that “Europe” takes place in Brussels, far away from their daily lives.

With this project, we aim to change this image of Europe among a new generation of students and professionals. Therefore, we highlighted who in the Netherlands is helping to build Europe, while also shedding light on the knowledge, skills, and competencies that are essential for European collaboration and underlining the fact that you do not necessarily have to be in Brussels to contribute to European affairs.

Europe takes human work- every day hundreds of professionals in the Netherlands and other EU-member states are busy making and implementing European policies. They play an important role in shaping and carrying out European priorities. With the European Professionals in the Spotlight project, we want to put a face on this fact.



European professionals in the spotlight 

That is the central question that the 'Haagse Jongeren als Wereldburgers' action-research project, carried out in collaboration with The Hague University of Applied Sciences and the T.M.C. Asser Institute, seeks to address. The project, aimed at young people aged 15-25 in The Hague's Schildersbuurt and Moerwijk, as well as two schools in Benoordenhout and Bezuidenhout, aligns closely with UN SDG 16 'Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions', a goal to which The Hague, as an international city of peace and justice, is constantly working.

The project consists of three main phases. The first phase primarily involves conducting research to answer the central question, using interviews and the Q-method. Interviews are conducted in community centers and schools in The Hague by students from The Hague University of Applied Sciences. The Q-method, commonly used in psychology and social sciences, is a methodology used for assessing viewpoints. With the Q-method, it is possible to compare the viewpoints of young people and policymakers in The Hague.

The second phase involves a course organized by the T.M.C. Asser Institute focusing on negotiation and conversation techniques. This course is open to young people from schools and community centers in The Hague. Additionally, young people participate in organized visits to international organizations, including the Helsinki Committee, the Children and Youth Rights Shop, and the Municipality of The Hague.

The third phase of the 'Haagse Jongeren als Wereldburgers' project involves organizing, facilitating, and observing focus group discussions in schools and community centers in The Hague. These discussions bring together young people, policymakers, and representatives from the international field to engage in fruitful dialogue on important issues.

How can young people, policymakers, and international institutions in The Hague come closer together around the themes of 'peace, justice, and international cooperation', and what can we achieve with the interaction between these groups?

The Hague Youth as Global Citizens

Labour migration is a challenge and an opportunity. However, it remains difficult in many municipalities. How do EU municipalities work on housing and registration of EU migrants? What are the experiences, challenges and success stories?

The research group Changing Role of Europe of The Hague University of Applied Sciences designed the project 'Facing EU challenges at the local level'. The researchers investigate how twelve small to medium sized cities in the European Union deal with internal EU migrant workers - in EU jargon: mobile citizens. We want to actively share the lessons from our research with the involved cities and municipalities in the Netherlands, in order to improve their policy practices.

NEW: Updated with a publication accessible 

How do small and medium-sized cities deal with EU mobile citizens? This project focuses on sharing success stories and improving policy areas. 

EU Mobile Citizens – challenges and successes

EU policy is an important topic of discussion in the Netherlands. Together with 26 other EU member states, the Dutch government is trying to assert its interests in the creation of laws and regulations in Europe. Part of this development is the so-called 

, in which the European Commission develops topics on the agenda into policy proposals.

The Policy and Operations Evaluation Department (IOB) of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs in commissioned 

 to conduct research into the scientific literature available on influencing the policy-making phase at the European Commission. Drs. Marije Cornelissen and Dr. Vasilis Karakasis were responsible for conducting a literature review on this step in the EU policy process.

Their research, together with four other studies on the EU policy process, has now been published on the IOB website. In their report, Cornelissen and Karakasis identify the various elements that can influence policymaking. They conclude that the early involvement of a wide range of policymakers and other actors, both at national and EU level, can be an effective way to influence policy formulation. They also cite cooperation between the government and the opposition, for an unambiguous position, cooperation with other member states, sufficient manpower and a strategic choice of consultation instruments as important insights.

The report, formally titled 'Sub-study - Literature review phase Policymaking', can 

 from this study can also be foundon the IOB website.

How do member states exert their influence on the policies made in the European Union? What can the Netherlands do to effectively have its say with the European Commission in the policy-making phase? Our researchers Marije Cornelissen and Vasilis Karakasis delved into the available literature on this topic and published a report with their main findings