Tekst toespraak presentatie BID EUCA, 2 december 2025
Dear all,
Members of the European Parliament distinguished guests,
It is a great honour and pleasure to speak to you today on behalf of The Hague, the International City of Peace and Justice.
For many decades, our city has been a trusted home for international cooperation.
It is also a place where a modern and innovative security sector is growing rapidly.
Today, we are ready to build on that tradition by welcoming the European Customs Authority, the EUCA.
To do its work well, EUCA needs a city that offers trust, safety and close cooperation with key partners.
The Hague provides exactly that.
Our city hosts Europe’s largest security cluster, including Europol, Eurojust and many international organisations, universities and research centres. Together, they form a strong and unique network that gives EUCA the expertise and support it needs from day one.
As minister Eugène Heijnen just mentioned, Rotterdam’s port and Schiphol Airport are essential gateways to the European Union.
The Hague sits right between these hubs.
That makes our city a natural and strategic base for European customs cooperation.
Reliability is crucial.
The Hague has long experience hosting organisations that work under the highest security standards.
Our digital infrastructure is strong, our safety systems are well tested, and our city has a proven track record of supporting international institutions.
The Hague is also a meeting place.
Every day, delegations, experts and policymakers from Europe and beyond come together here to exchange knowledge, shape policies and strengthen cooperation.
At the centre of this lies our International Zone – a secure and welcoming district hosting embassies, cultural venues, green spaces, and world-class facilities such as the World Forum, all within walking distance.
This year it successfully hosted the NATO summit. And it showed, how well The Hague can host international conferences and welcome delegations.
EUCA is not only an organisation.
It will be a community of people.
And people need a good place to live.
The Hague offers exactly that.
Our city is green, safe and vibrant, with cultural richness and the sea (eleven kilometres coastline) only minutes away.
We provide excellent healthcare, many cultural activities and a supportive international community.
Families are very welcome.
The European School of The Hague, only three kilometres from the proposed EUCA headquarters, guarantees places for children of EU staff.
Many other international schools, childcare centres and youth facilities are nearby.
Through The Hague International Centre, we offer high-quality support for newcomers – from housing and practical guidance to social networks and career advice for partners.
This service is highly valued and makes it easier for families to feel at home right away.
Partners can pursue career opportunities, with a choice of jobs on offer in organizations and businesses where English is the working language.
The Hague’s entire ecosystem is within easy reach. Excellent transport connections by air, rail, bike and road transport, ensure excellent connectivity.
I would like to extend a warm invitation to all Member States: please come and visit The Hague.
See for yourselves what our city has to offer.
Not only as a location, but as a natural, secure, and future-ready home for EUCA.
Together, we can strengthen Europe’s customs cooperation in a city that stands for peace, justice and international partnership.
The Hague is ready to welcome EUCA. And we are ready to help shape the future of European customs, together with all of you.
Thank you.
