”October 25 was an exciting and insightful day for the JASON Institute, marking its Golden Jubilee, 50 years of connecting and inspiring the next generation of security leaders, with a flagship conference at the historic Grote Kerk in The Hague.

The anniversary gathering brought together diplomats, defence officials, scholars, NGO leaders, and hundreds of students and young professionals for a day of reflection, debate, and forward-looking discussion on Europe’s evolving security landscape.

Opening

The event opened with welcoming remarks by Cristina Pessina, the Jubilee Manager, and Dennis van der Sleuijs, the Chair of the Institute, reflecting on JASON’s five decades of bridging youth engagement with international security, and reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to shaping informed, globally minded citizens.

Next, JASON’s founder, Rio Praaning, delivered an inspiring address, recounting the Institute’s beginnings and underscoring the vital role of democratic societies in nurturing critical inquiry and strategic awareness—qualities young people will increasingly need in today’s volatile global landscape.

He also stressed that security today is inherently interconnected: our own safety cannot be separated from the safety of others. With shifting dynamics between China, Russia, and the United States redefining global stability, Rio reminded us that negotiation remains essential, but it is ultimately the choices behind those negotiations that reveal our values and direction. His call for Europe to look ahead together resonated strongly throughout the room.

Throughout the day, the conference was moderated by Michel Don Michaloliákos, the co-founder of The Hague Institute for Geopolitics, whose sharp, balanced guidance ensured the panels unfolded with clarity and momentum.

Panel I: Europe’s Hard Power — Defence in a New Strategic Reality

The first panel explored Europe’s hard power capabilities amid shifting security paradigms, featuring: 

• Paul van Hooft – Strategic expert on European defence
• Colonel Mietta Groeneveld – Senior officer, Dutch Armed Forces
• Markus Iven – Defence and security specialist

Together, they assessed Europe’s readiness amid renewed great-power competition and the lessons of the war in Ukraine, stressing that credible deterrence demands improved logistics, joint capabilities, and sustained investment.

The speakers noted that while Europe’s defence mindset is changing with higher spending and greater readiness, lasting progress is difficult without stronger political cohesion. Colonel Groeneveld emphasised that hard power is not just about assets but about the ability to impose political will through capability, preparedness, and decisive action. NATO remains the backbone of collective defence, they agreed, yet Europe must assume greater responsibility within it. Interoperability, multi-domain operations, and societal resilience will be essential to strengthening Europe’s strategic posture.

Panel II: Europe’s Soft Power — Diplomacy, Values, and Influence

The second panel turned to diplomacy and the instruments of soft power, with contributions from: 

• Dr. Louise van Schaik – Head of EU & Global Affairs at the Clingendael Institute
• Rolien Sasse – Executive Director of PAX and human rights advocate
• Ed Kronenburg – Former Dutch Ambassador and Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

These speakers examined Europe’s role in shaping global norms, its humanitarian and development leadership, and the difficulty of maintaining credibility amid democratic backsliding and growing geopolitical fragmentation.

Panellists’ comments highlighted that Europe’s predictability, sometimes dismissed as “boring”, is in fact one of its quiet strengths: reliability as a source of stability in an increasingly volatile world. Yet they were clear that soft power cannot stand alone. Without credible hard power, unity, and the ability to act decisively, Europe’s influence will remain constrained.

College Tour: A Conversation with Ambassador Kees Klompenhouwer

In a dynamic College Tour–style session, Ambassador Kees Klompenhouwer offered candid insights from decades of his diplomatic service.

He addressed questions on topics ranging from transatlantic relations and EU crisis management to diplomacy in times of conflict and his experience as ambassador to Ukraine.
For many participants, the session served as a rare opportunity to engage directly with one of the Netherlands’ foremost diplomats.

Closing Keynote: Prof. Joris Voorhoeve

The conference concluded with an inspiring address by Prof. Joris Voorhoeve, former Minister of Defence and a central figure in Dutch public life. He reflected on JASON’s legacy, Europe’s moral duty, and the urgent need to safeguard democratic institutions as global tensions rise and authoritarianism re-emerges. His remarks echoed throughout the room: “We are not fighting for peace – we are fighting for freedom.”

Voorhoeve warned that freedom is never self-sustaining; it requires constant protection, clear rules, and the willingness to act. He reminded the audience that identity is ultimately shaped not by ideals but by what we choose to do, today and tomorrow, in support of freedom. His message to the next generation was unmistakable: remain informed, principled, and engaged, because freedom depends on it.

A Milestone Moment for JASON

The Golden Jubilee Conference closed with a lively networking reception beneath the vaulted ceilings of the Grote Kerk. Speakers, students, and professionals connected over shared interests and a collective sense of purpose.
Across the day, one message resonated: JASON’s mission is as urgent today as it was 50 years ago.

The Institute extends its deepest gratitude to all speakers, partners, and participants who helped make the 50th anniversary celebration a landmark event – honouring JASON’s past while looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities of the next fifty years.”