NSN Conference: the 2023 edition explained - United Kingdom
NSN Conference: the 2023 edition explained
The North Sea Neighbours Conference, what is it exactly? Four participants answer three questions. This week the NSN took place in the Hague. 'There is an infectious vibrancy and energy to the relationship between the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.'
Lamyae El Hasnaoui, Second Secretary for Political Affairs at the Netherlands’ Embassy in the United Kingdom - can you explain what “NSN” stands for, and what the aim of such a bilateral conference is?
'The NSN stands for North Sea Neighbours (NSN). The NSN, previously known as The Apeldoorn Conference, was initiated in 1999 by Dutch Prime Minister Wim Kok and the British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The purpose of the conference is to foster closer cooperation and dialogue between the Netherlands and the United Kingdom on various issues of common interest. The first conference took place in 2000 in the city of Apeldoorn.
The series has become a forum to gather ideas, expertise and best practices, and to create lasting relationships and networks. My personal experience is that it is both the conference itself that enhances the bilateral relationship, as the run-up to the conference in which policymakers on both sides of the North Sea work closely together.
Since 2000 the conference takes place every one to two years. Last years’ NSN took place in London and focused on the energy transition and energy security, as well as the NL-UK relationship in a changing geopolitical context.'
Jasmin Vassilev and Naomi van de Vorst, this year’s edition of the NSN takes place in The Hague, can you explain what the conference will look like this year?
'The NSN will take place in The Hague on 7 December. It is great to organize a conference with such broad participation, gathering leaders from policy, academia, civil society, think tanks, businesses, and youth (during the Model NSN) from both countries. In a changing geopolitical context, close UK-Netherlands cooperation remains critical as we seek solutions to the new security challenges we face. Therefore, this year’s theme is emerging security challenges in Europe. With over a hundred participants and broad participation, we expect some lively discussions resulting in concrete ideas to further shape the relationship between NL and UK.'
'Participants get the chance to exchange ideas and experiences in one of the three break-out groups: economic security, hybrid threats and subsea critical national infrastructure. Besides that, the day also features government-to-government dialogues, where officials from both sides of the North Sea will discuss bilateral and multilateral cooperation on security and defence matters.'
'The aim is to reaffirm the commitment to work together to address common threats and to promote peace and stability in Europe and beyond. In this way, the NSN is a showcase to the positive momentum in the NL-UK relationship, serving as a catalyst for further cooperation.'
James Allan, how do you experience the yearly NSN conference from the UK perspective?
'The North Sea Neighbours Conference is one example of just how close the bilateral relationship between the UK and the Netherlands is. However, our close cooperation as neighbours goes much further than just the conference, and is something I see every day working at the British Embassy in The Hague.'
'One of the most moving moments each year comes during commemorations in Gelderland around Operation Market Garden in September, when the entire region remembers the battle fought almost 80 years ago. Here the dignity and respect shown to the fallen and the last remaining veterans and civilian survivors comes together with our shared commitment to a safer world for everyone – through the involvement of both UK and Dutch defence forces.'
'Working at the embassy you notice there is also an infectious vibrancy and energy to the relationship, and not just because of our similar sense of humour! As a press officer I often attend events alongside colleagues to capture photos and create content for our social media. Whether it’s developing green hydrogen in the North Sea; increasing our £122 billion trading relationship; embracing our competitive streak in sports; or developing innovative solutions to meet our shared climate goals – we get on well together. We are pragmatic thinkers who see each other as natural partners and who are not afraid to try something new.'
'This year our innovative nature can be seen in our joint effort to create the model North Sea Neighbours conference held last week. This brought together 40 young people for a day of training, discussion, and debate, considering the future of such an important and strong bilateral relationship and asking them to share their ambitions for the future. For the students and everyone who took part it was an incredibly insightful and rewarding day.'
'As for our competitive streak? I think you’ve only to look at last year’s Mince Pies vs Oliebollen battle to see that it is still going strong!'
