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Looking Back at GLOBSEC 2026: Strengthening Europe’s Geopolitical Role in a Time of Systemic Transformation

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At GLOBSEC 2026 in Prague, HCSS analysts Irina Patrahau and Benedetta Girardi joined discussions on Europe’s geopolitical future, economic security, and strategic resilience. From co-hosting a side session on Europe’s geoeconomic statecraft to participating in the prestigious GLOBSEC Young Leaders Forum and GLOBcast podcast, they explored how the EU can translate economic strength into geopolitical influence in an increasingly fragmented world. Read our recap for key insights on European competitiveness, strategic partnerships, energy security, and the challenge of turning ambition into action.

GLOBcast with Irina Patrahau | Navigating Disruption: Europe’s Energy and Security Crossroads

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As energy, technology, economics, and security become increasingly intertwined, Europe faces critical questions about resilience, competitiveness, and strategic autonomy. In GLOBSEC’s flagship podcast, GLOBcast, HCSS’ Irina Patrahau joins Roger Hilton to discuss Europe’s vulnerabilities in energy and critical minerals supply chains, the risk of new dependencies emerging through the green transition, and how the EU can navigate growing competition with China. Drawing on insights from GLOBSEC 2026, the conversation explores what Europe must do to strengthen its strategic position in an increasingly contested geopolitical landscape.

Nederlanders ervaren migratie als grootste bedreiging | Gerben Bakker: “Sentiment zal pas verminderen als asielcijfers kelderen.”

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Migratie wordt door Nederlanders nog altijd gezien als de grootste maatschappelijke dreiging, zelfs boven oorlog en klimaat, blijkt uit onderzoek van HCSS. Volgens Gerben Bakker gaat het niet alleen om feiten, maar vooral om gevoelens van culturele verandering, verlies van controle en afnemend vertrouwen in de overheid. Als politiek en bestuur geen overtuigende antwoorden vinden op dit sentiment, dreigen polarisatie, protesten en verdere maatschappelijke verharding. “Het sentiment zal pas verminderen als te zien is dat de asielcijfers kelderen.”

Internship opportunity | Water, Peace and Security (WPS)

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The Water, Peace and Security (WPS) internship at HCSS offers a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge research linking water scarcity and security dynamics in the Middle East and North Africa. Interns contribute to tools that help anticipate and reduce water-related risks, support stakeholder dialogue, and develop training and workshops on the water-security nexus. Working from The Hague, successful candidates will join a fast-paced, interdisciplinary team and gain hands-on experience in policy-relevant research. Strong analytical skills, creativity, and excellent English are required. Arabic is a strong advantage.

WTC 2026 Geopolitical Update | launch second edition of GATRI

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Geopolitical risks are reshaping the global business environment, affecting trade, investment, and supply chain resilience. On 8 June, HCSS joins the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) and the World Trade Center Netherlands Alliance for the 2026 Geopolitical Update, a virtual briefing on the geopolitical, economic, and trade dynamics shaping the year ahead. During the event, HCSS will also launch the second edition of the Geopolitical Annual Trade Risk Index (GATRI), providing data-driven insights into geopolitical stability and international trade.

SmallSat Europe 2026 | Tim Sweijs: Space Lessons from Ukraine, four years in

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Four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine continues to shape how governments, militaries and industry think about space and defence. Speaking at SmallSat Europe 2026, HCSS Director of Research Dr Tim Sweijs argued that commercial space capabilities have become integral to modern warfare, while also creating new strategic dependencies. As Europe seeks greater technological sovereignty, the lessons from Ukraine underscore the need for resilient and diversified space architectures capable of supporting security, deterrence and resilience.

Nieuw HCSS-rapport: non-profitorganisaties onmisbaar voor wereldwijde cyberveiligheid

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Non-profit cybersecurityorganisaties zijn essentieel voor de wereldwijde cyberweerbaarheid, de openbare veiligheid en de continuïteit van de digitale economie, zo blijkt uit dit nieuwe HCSS-rapport van Hans Horan, Ron Stoop en Jan Feldhusen. Ondanks dat ze kritieke infrastructuur beschermen, het mkb ondersteunen en miljarden aan potentiële verliezen voorkomen, blijven deze organisaties structureel ondergefinancierd en ondergewaardeerd. Het rapport roept overheden en het bedrijfsleven op om de sector op de lange termijn te ondersteunen.

New report | The Unspoken Guardians of the Internet: Why Non-profit Cybersecurity Matters for Public Safety and Global Resilience

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Non-profit cybersecurity organisations are essential to global cyber resilience, public safety, and the continuity of the digital economy, this new HCSS report by Hans Horan, Ron Stoop and Jan Feldhusen shows. Despite protecting critical infrastructure, supporting SMEs, and preventing billions in potential losses, these organisations remain structurally underfunded and under-recognised. The report calls for governments and industry to provide sustained, long-term support for the sector.

Masterpeace Podcast | Sven Koopmans: The profession of the Peace Mediator

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What does it take to become a peace negotiator? In this episode of Masterpeace, peace mediator Antje Herrberg speaks with HCSS Chair for Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Sven Koopmans, whose career spans law, academia, politics, diplomacy and international mediation. Drawing on his experience as EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process, Koopmans reflects on the realities of peacemaking, why many mediators are first-timers, and what successes and failures can teach us about resolving conflict in a turbulent world.

Mauritssymposium 2026 | June 4th 2026

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As geopolitical relations shift and transatlantic dynamics evolve, Europe faces important questions about its strategic position in an increasingly complex international environment. With growing attention on the Indo-Pacific and changing relations between Europe and the United States, policymakers and experts are reassessing the future of European security, strategic autonomy, and global partnerships. Join leading voices from politics and academia for a timely discussion on the challenges and opportunities shaping Europe’s role in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

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