‘Stichting Europa’: The role of the non-profit sector towards Global Europe

LINKS Europe, in collaboration with The City of The Hague, and with the support of The Hague Humanity Hub, cordially invites you to a roundtable discussion on the theme: ‘Stichting Europa’: The role of the non-profit sector in pursuit of a Global Europe. The event is part of the sixth cluster of events in our series of Conversations on the future of Europe in the world and aims to contribute to the ongoing debate across the continent within the framework of the Conference on the Future of Europe.

The EU has made its aspiration of becoming a geostrategic player clear, with advocates frequently citing the strength and diversity of the bloc’s third largest global economy as its number-one asset on this journey. However, NGOs, think tanks and other civil society groups are also considered a part of this European patrimony. “NGOs are part of our DNA”, European officials are often heard saying. Yet is the vibrancy and dynamism of the European third sector being used properly in the process of building global Europe?

This discussion shall address the role the non-profit sector is contributing towards the EU’s global ambitions, and how the EU can better galvanise the sector’s wealth of skills and knowledge; how it can involve and empower non-profits to work towards common global goals; and the risks and benefits in doing so. During the discussion participants will also be invited to offer practical ideas on how The Hague’s rich civil society eco-system can contribute to this process in the future.

This event is a fully interactive discussion to allow those working in The Hague’s non-profit sector to share their views on the topics highlighted above – all participants will be expected to share their views before culminating in a general discussion. Participants are welcome also to submit longer written presentations, which can be circulated during the meeting. The opinions and ideas expressed in the meeting and in the written presentations will be reflected in a short summary of proceedings, which will be submitted for consideration within the larger Conference on the Future of Europe.

This roundtable will take place at 11:00-14:00, with a short 30 minute lunch break, on Tuesday, 22 February 2022, at The Hague Humanity Hub (city centre).