dr. Mendeltje van Keulen 

The question of direct EU funding instruments for cities is high on the agenda of European cities and regions. Subnational authorities might have diverging reasons to advocate for such realignments, whether it is over rule of law concerns on the national level, absorption of migrants or facilitating the green transition.

This short report gives a first impression of which avenues cities might want to invest in in terms of putting EU funding under the direct management of the European Commission on the policy-agenda. A follow-up project could
look in more detail at the past and current configurations of funding in the EU budget and at what could be possible in terms of reconfiguring the budget, such that the EU’s funding instruments are better equipped to help cities tackle with their (g)local challenges.

Which channels exist for a local or regional government to access EU funding directly, without the need for interference of the national government? This was the main question our researcher Tibor Hargitai investigated following a case presented by the City of Budapest. The results of the study are now published in a small report.

New Report: Finding the Way to Direct EU Funding for Cities

Researcher: Changing Role of Europe lectorate

The European Impact Hub of the Haage Hogeschool launches 

 ('Return trip to Brussels'); an accessible booklet that gives insight into how nine Dutch people in different roles are active around European decision-making.

Authors Mendeltje van Keulen and Chris Aalbers both have decades of experience with 'Brussels'. Based on their conversations with professionals, they show the reader why it is relevant to sit at the table with policymakers in Brussels. If you understand the Brussels process, your impact can be huge.



provides a transparent look at how policy is created in Brussels and how you, as an organisation, can play a serious role in this process. Through nine interviews with the people who are 'in the business' everyday, the authors take the reader into the heart of European decision-making.

Mendeltje van Keulen says of the content: 

"Retourtje Brussel has that name because, as professionals in Dutch organisations, we need to realise how important it is to have a seat at the table in Brussels with European policymakers. It does not have to cost more than a train ticket Netherlands-Brussels. Access to the EU is free."

'Retourtje Brussel' is available in bookshops and online including at:

In 'Retourtje Brussel' (translated: 'Return trip to Brussels'), Chris Aalberts and Mendeltje van Keulen speak with nine Dutch professionals working in Brussels. The conversations form a picture of the daily practice of European cooperation  and how 'the Netherlands' takes part in this. The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the EU from a practical point of view

New book 'Retourtje Brussel': How do the Dutch work on European cooperation

In early September, the European Impact Hub organised the first meeting of a Community of Practice with four municipalities and one province on European awareness within their organisations. This Community of Practice aims to jointly develop solutions to make the municipal organisation more aware and skilled in European affairs.

Why is this important? Many tasks of municipalities and regions can be supported by European cooperation. Municipalities and provinces can apply for European funds. But equally important is the exchange of knowledge between cities, influencing European Commission policy and putting your city or region on the map.

This Community of Practice is an excellent way for the European Impact Hub, in cooperation with partners in practice, to build a bridge between applied research and education at The Hague University of Applied Sciences.

Collaborating on European awareness in municipalities and provinces

For her research, Rosa studied eight cases in which the four cities of The Hague, Geneva, Vienna and Copenhagen faced international competition on bringing in international organizations. In half of the cases, the city had failed and in the other half they were successful.

- Networks bringing in International organizations should behave like a host, listen carefully to the needs of the international employees, and be more outward-looking.

- More people and more different people could be involved in the networks to successfully bring in International Organizations.

- Engaged networks that walked 'the extra mile' are more successful in bringing in International Organizations than those that do not. This includes publicizing the importance of International Organizations in the city or country, locally and internationally.

After completing her PhD, Rosa will use her knowledge in her work at the European Impact Hub. The knowledge from her research is valuable because it can be applied to cases of housing European agencies. Furthermore, the research informs us about how (international) policy networks can be successfully set up and how they relate to the international community in a city (such as Brussels or The Hague).

On 24 November, our team member Rosa Groen will defend her PhD thesis 'Walking the Extra Mile; How governance networks attract International Organizations to Geneva, The Hague, Vienna, and Copenhagen (1995-2015)' in Leiden.

Hosting an international organisation in your city; #how?

Nabeschouwing van de Conferentie over de Toekomst van Europa

We openen het café samen met onze speciale gast Tom de Bruijn. Tom was wethouder in de gemeente Den Haag, minister van Buitenlandse Handel en Ontwikkelingssamenwerkingen en permanent vertegenwoordiger van Nederland bij de EU.

Na de opening is er tijd drie interessante deelsessies: Europa in het gemeentehuis, hoe werken we aan Europa-bewustzijn?; Hoe ondersteunen we ons lokaal MKB om Europees actief te worden?; Europa: pinautomaat voor gemeenten of verspilde moeite?

Uiteraard sluiten we dag af met een borrel. Heeft het programma je nieuwsgierig gemaakt? Nodig je collega’s uit en kom langs voor een kop koffie in ons café. Het café is open voor alle geïnteresseerden, maar zal vooral voor beleidsmakers werkzaam in één van de 344 gemeentehuizen in Nederland als een warm bad aanvoelen.

Er is plaats voor 75 deelnemers, waarvan maximaal 15 studenten. 

Openingstijd: Donderdag 2 juni 2022, 14.00 t/m 17.00 uur (programma start om 14.30 uur)

Organisator: Lectoraat Changing Role of Europe / European Impact Hub

Op 2 juni opent éénmalig ons inspiratiecafé ‘Brussel & het stadhuis’; de ontmoetingsplaats voor iedereen die nieuwsgierig is naar het maken van ‘de Europese stap’ vanuit hun werk voor een lokale overheid.

Inspiration cafe Brussel & the cityhall

Research lunch Rosa Groen

Talkshow: waar is Europa in de gemeenteraadsverkiezingen?

Column Mendeltje van Keulen in Brusselse Nieuwe

Our team members are regularly invited for engaging meetings about the practice of European politics and governance at companies, governments, or events.

European Impact Hub can organise a lecture, class, workshop, or debate specially suited to your target group.

Our lectures are not just another powerpoint presentation with slides on institutions and procedures. Using practical and recognisable examples, we illustrate the ins and outs of the daily work of the European Union for your case. The audience will regularly laugh and nod in agreement!

Curious about events we are organising soon? Take a look at our newsroom

Are you looking for an inspiring and activating event engaging colleagues in European affairs? European Impact Hub provides lecture (series), workshop or panel debate, tailor-made to your organisation or audience.

Guest lectures and debates

How can the European dimension help you to realise your challenge, annual strategy, implementation programme or daily activities? European Impact hub teaches professionals in government, business, and NGOs. Our offer consists of training programmes based on individual enrolment and customised courses for organisations and departments.

European Impact Hub offers training for professionals at different levels and in different types of organisations about the practice of European working.

Trainings and Masterclasses

How can we organise a good flow of EU information? How can I represent my organisation's interests in Brussels? Which competences do my staff members lack to better engage with European opportunities?

These are some of the questions the European Impact Hub has addressed in recent years for the organisation and the public and private sector. e use a broad basic knowledge of the theory and practice of European work as a starting point. We complement this with an applied research design focused on your case. Our task does not end with the delivery of a research report. We actively engage in the practical development and implementation of research findings in the workplace, or in other words: impact!

This distinguishes us from 'traditional' academic researchers. Knowledge is there to create change, not to end up on a shelf somewhere.

Collaborating with European Impact Hub is not just consultancy. It also means making a social contribution to future-proof education. The knowledge gained from our policy research helps to keep educational curricula at The Hague University up to date. In this way, you indirectly contribute to educating a new generation of European professionals with the right knowledge and skills. Together we prepare your employees of the future for the challenges they will encounter in the workplace.

One foot in the world of research and education and the other in professional practice: that characterises the team members of the European Impact Hub. This bridging function positions us perfectly to apply our knowledge into challenges of professional working practice. We provide this service this for governments, businesses and public interest groups.

Policy research and evaluation

More information on this offer will be made available on short notice.

EU scan and monitoring

At the lectorate we like to work with enthusiastic students. Besides refreshing insights, they bring a good dose of current knowledge and skills. Does your organisation have a European challenge? Via Student Consultancy we can offer you a comprehensive analysis, practical advice or customised solution. By doing so, you help to improve your own working practices and you contribute to the preparation of a new generation of European-skilled? professionals.

European Impact hub is part of the Hague University of Applied Sciences: the largest Applied Science educator for future professionals in the field of European studies, (international) public management, (International and European) law, (international) communication and business administration in The Netherlands. During their education students apply their knowledge for real world employers. Via Student Consultancy, they can provide assistance with a European issue in your organisation.

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