Europe Speech: 'The New EU and the Next Generation of Europeans'​​​​​

On Wednesday 26 August, Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Berendsen will deliver the Europe Speech in Maastricht. In his speech, the minister will reflect on the future of the European Union in light of a changing geopolitical landscape, with particular focus on the enlargement of the EU and the emergence of a 'new EU': a stronger and more decisive Union. This also includes a more accessible accession process.

Young Europeans

As Europe prepares for potential enlargement, what role can young Europeans play in shaping the Union's future? How can students contribute to the debate on enlargement, democracy and European cooperation? And what, in turn, do young people expect from the European Union?

In his speech, the Minister will also focus on upholding fundamental values such as the rule of law and democracy. How can this be achieved effectively in an enlarged EU? What lessons have been learnt from the past? He will also discuss how the EU can best continue to safeguard the security and prosperity of its citizens.Following the speech, the minister will take part in a conversation with UM Europe Chair Hylke Dijkstra and answer questions from the audience.

Following the speech, the minister will take part in a conversation with UM Europe Chair Hylke Dijkstra and answer questions from the audience.

Programme

17:30–18:00 - Doors open and registration

18:00–18:40 - Panel discussion “From Maastricht to Brussels: Careers Shaping Europe” with:

  • MEP García Hermida-van der Walle (Renew Europe)

UM alumni:

  • Caitlin Reed – Policy Advisor on Foreign Affairs (AFET) and Security and Defense (SEDE) to MEP Dr. Tobias Cremer

  • Siebe Geerts – Programme officer, Regional Security Policy, DG MENA

  • Célia Dejond – Communications advisor to Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra

18:40–19:00 – Q&A

19:00–19:05 - Welcome address by Prof. Dr Jan Smits, Rector Magnificus, Maastricht University

19:05–19:25 – Europe Speech by Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Berendsen

19:25–19:40 - Conversation with the Minister and UM Europe Chair Hylke Dijkstra

19:40–20:00 - Q&A

20:00–21:00 – Reception

Interested but can't make it?

You can watch the Europe Speech live via our YouTube channel here.

Europe Speech series

The Europe Speech Series, organised by Studio Europa Maastricht, invites members of the Dutch government to share their vision for Europe’s future and discuss the Netherlands’ European policy. Previous speakers have included former Minister of Finance Sigrid Kaag, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Wopke Hoekstra and former Ministers of Defence Kajsa Ollongren and Ruben Brekelmans.

About Studio Europa

Studio Europa Maastricht is the centre of expertise at Maastricht University (UM) for Europe-related research, debate, and policy. We contribute to the positioning of the UM as the European university of the Netherlands and serve as a meeting place for debate, knowledge production, and policy development on European themes. Together with the Province of Limburg and the City of Maastricht, we bring the European Heritage Label for the Maastricht Treaty to life.

Interested in future events organised by Studio Europa? Subscribe to our newsletter here.

Location

Franz Palm Lecture Hall

School of Business and Economics (SBE), Maastricht University

Tongersestraat 53, 6211 LM, Maastricht