This May, Clingendael Academy concluded the first edition of the Dutch-Polish Diplomatic Seminar. 20 diplomats – 10 from each country respectively, assembled in the Hague to jointly complete a two-day programme. This seminar was the result of the Utrecht Conference: the annual bilateral consultation between The Netherlands and Poland. It was created to further strengthen the Dutch-Polish relations, enhance the expertise of the participants, and expand their international network. 

The programme discussed topics like economic security, Euro-Atlantic security in the context of Russia and Ukraine, and the functioning of the European Union in light of EU-enlargement. Experts from Clingendael and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs facilitated the exchange of ideas between the diplomats and the building of a better mutual understanding of each other’s foreign policy priorities. 

Participants particularly appreciated the sessions on international negotiations and strategic policy thinking, underscoring the programme's efficacy in addressing the importance of diplomatic skills. Several networking activities were included in the programme too, among which a reception together with a delegation of the Polish Embassy in the Netherlands. 

The warm personalities of the diplomats fostered a strong bond between one another and allowed for making lasting connections. Clingendael Academy looks back on a successful programme, organized in cooperation with the Polish and Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We look forward to contributing to the deepening of Dutch-Polish relationship and eagerly await the next Diplomatic Seminar scheduled in Poland in 2025. We wish the diplomats the best of luck in all their future endeavors.