HCSS at GLOBSEC | Europe’s Pivot: Converting Economic Weight into Geopolitical Clout
On Friday, 22 May, HCSS strategic analysts Irina Patrahau and Benedetta Girardi will co-host the GLOBSEC Forum 2026 side session ‘Europe’s Pivot: Converting Economic Weight into Geopolitical Clout’. The discussion will examine how the EU can strengthen its geoeconomic statecraft amid rising systemic competition, economic coercion, and supply chain vulnerabilities. Particular attention will be given to balancing economic security with market openness, managing escalation risks, and enhancing the credibility of Europe’s geopolitical influence in an increasingly fragmented international environment.
Netherlands Food Partnership | Laura Birkman on the implications of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz for global food security
As tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz, concerns are growing over the wider implications for global food security. During a recent Netherlands Food Partnership session, experts warned that the crisis could trigger cascading effects across energy, fertiliser, and food systems. Laura Birkman of HCSS highlighted how the Strait functions as a “cascading chokepoint,” where disruptions disproportionately affect countries already facing water scarcity, import dependence, and food insecurity. Her contribution underscored the need to view food security not in isolation, but as deeply connected to energy, trade, climate, and geopolitical resilience.
EenVandaag | Tim Sweijs: Samenwerking met India steeds belangrijker voor Nederland
India wordt voor Nederland een steeds belangrijkere strategische en economische partner. Tijdens het bezoek van premier Modi aan Nederland stonden samenwerking op het gebied van handel, technologie, defensie en infrastructuur centraal. Volgens HCSS-onderzoeksdirecteur Tim Sweijs biedt India kansen voor Nederlandse bedrijven in onder meer landbouw, watermanagement, halfgeleiders en cybersecurity. Tegelijkertijd vraagt samenwerking met India om een pragmatische benadering in een veranderend geopolitiek landschap, waarin Nederland zoekt naar nieuwe partners naast de VS en China.
