20/01/2026
Modelling a Stronger Europe
Today, we hosted the Model North Sea Neighbours Conference 2026 - a simulation for students ahead of the real bilateral North Sea Neighbours Conference taking place in February.
At a time when Europe faces hybrid threats and pressure on critical infrastructure, this year’s focus on European Security could not be more relevant. Students stepped into the roles of policymakers, business representatives, and academics, exploring how the UK and the Netherlands can strengthen our shared resilience.
The day opened with remarks from Ambassador , who reflected on the depth of the UK–NL partnership and the the need for a strong Europe – which includes the UK. We were also fortunate to hear from Erlijne Wissels of and Boukje van den Eijnden, whose insights set the stage for thoughtful debate.
Across three sessions — Mapping Shared Security Threats, Cybersecurity, and Protecting Critical Infrastructure — students exchanged ideas, and delivered sharp, forward‑looking proposals. Thank you to all our participants for contributing to such an interesting day.
