Jules Maaten
Short vita
Jules Maaten is Regional Director of the European Dialogue programme of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF), managing the Brussels, Madrid and Prague offices, including projects in UK, France, Italy and Hungary. He was previously Head of International Regions and Deputy Head of the International Department at FNF Headquarters in Potsdam. Prior to that, Jules Maaten was Regional Head of the Subsahara Africa Region of FNF in Johannesburg, and before that Country Director of FNF Philippines in Manila. From 1999 to 2009, he was a Member of the European Parliament, and from 1992-1999 Secretary General of the Liberal International in London.
Contributions
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Viktor Orbán’s Absence Leaves a Bitter Taste
The European Union historically starts accession talks with the Ukraine, but at the same time fails to agree on a Ukrainian aid package. Hungarian Prime Minister appears to have successfully bullied his colleagues to sell out the democratic soul of the European Union. It cannot be left at that.
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Dutch election result opens Pandora’s box
In a political earthquake, the far-right Party for Freedom won a resounding victory in the Dutch general elections. Led by long-time MP and political provocateur Geert Wilders, the party won 37 out of 150 seats in the Dutch parliament. The unexpected result sent shock waves through the Netherlands and Europe, as Wilders’ anti-Islam and anti-Europe positions have now gained solid ground in the mainstream.
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Dutch government falls, Rutte resigns
The Dutch political landscape is in turmoil. On Friday, the Dutch government led by Prime Minister Mark Rutte (VVD) resigned. After months of negotiations, the coalition could not agree on measures to curb immigration. On top of that, Rutte announced that he will not run for office again.
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Europeans would like to see values-based foreign policy and ditch veto
A recent survey reveals that Europeans desire an EU foreign policy rooted in values, with a focus on security, human rights, and freedom. The poll, conducted across ten member states and commissioned by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, highlights a growing sentiment that the EU Council's veto system obstructs a more unified foreign policy. As Europe assumes a greater international role, citizens are increasingly engaged and concerned about the EU's stance on global issues. The findings also suggest a nascent European identity, signaling a potential shift towards a collective European political sphere.
