Dutch Royal House – King Willem-Alexander opens ChemTech Center of Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons

King opens ChemTech Center of Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons News Release | 19-04-2023 | 10:00 Opening ChemTech Center van Organisatie voor het Verbod op Chemische Wapens | Activiteit | Het Koninklijk Huis King opens ChemTech Center of Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons | News Release | The Royal Family His Majesty the King will open the Chemistry and Technology Center, the ChemTech Center, of the Organization for …

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Summit for Democracy

On 29 and 30 March 2023 the Netherlands will be one of the co-hosts of the second Summit for Democracy, organized by the United States. The other co-hosts are Costa Rica, Zambia and South Korea. Around the world, democracy and human rights are under threat. Together, we must do everything we can to ensure that …

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Submit your application for the 2023 Women2Women International Leadership Program  

Are you a young woman aged 15-19 and ready to join a global network of leaders standing up for the rights of women and girls around the world?  Are you ready to work on your leadership skills?  Then keep reading and find out how you could be selected for this unique program in the United …

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Submit your Application for the Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship in the United States during the Summer of 2023

The U.S. Embassy in The Hague is pleased to accept applications for the 2023 Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship. The program is scheduled to take place in-person from June 24 – July 22, 2023, and will be hosted by Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Are you between the ages 16-18, and interested in learning more …

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Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program 2022/2023

ANNUAL PROGRAM STATEMENT  Funding Opportunity Title:  U.S. Embassy The Hague PD Annual Program Statement Funding Opportunity Number:  PD-THEHAGUE-FY23-01 Deadline for Applications: 3 rolling deadlines – (November 30, 2022; February 28, 2023; and June 30, 2023) CFDA Number:  19.040 – Public Diplomacy Programs  CONTACT| If you have any questions about the grant application process, please contact …

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The 2022 Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI) Fellowship Program application is now live

The 2022 Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI) Fellowship Program application is now live. Join the 300+ YTILI alumni who have strengthened their entrepreneurial skills and expanded their professional networks with business leaders across Europe and the U.S. through the program. Your time is now and starts here! Find the application and instructions by visiting …

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Submit your Application for a Prestigious Youth Program in the United States during the Summer of 2022

The U.S. Embassy The Hague is accepting applications for the 2022 Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship.  Are you a Dutch citizen or legal permanent resident who is interested in learning more about the United States, developing leadership skills, and strengthening the ties between the U.S. and the Netherlands? Were you born between June 26, 2003, and June 26, 2006 (i.e., be …

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Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT)

The October 2021 Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) will be administered from September 30 through October 9. Information and testing locations, including testing locations in the Netherlands  and options for home-based online proctored testing, can be found at http://www.pearsonvue.com/fsot . Information about the Foreign Service selection process can be found at http://careers.state.gov/ .

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Embassy presents two U.S. Election Events

United States Embassy The Hague October 28, 2020 Press Release – Embassy presents two U.S. Election Events U.S Embassy Hosts Live Presidential Election Coverage The U.S. Embassy in The Hague will organize live, online coverage of the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election through two events hosted at Nieuwspoort, The Hague, on the evening of November 3, …

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Statement by Ambassador Hoekstra

Recently, together, we commemorated Memorial Day at the Netherlands American Cemetery at Margraten.  In my opening remarks there I quoted our Founding Fathers who famously wrote, “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness”. Recent events …

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Margraten Announcement

Margraten Announcement Letter (PDF 159 KB) 27 March 2020 The Netherlands American Cemetery at Margraten is a special place.  Americans and Dutch alike honor the soldiers buried here, men and women who gave their lives 75 years ago in a titanic struggle against tyranny and oppression. Together as friends and allies, each year the American and Dutch people …

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Women2Women International Leadership Program 2020

Let us know why you should participate in the Women2Women International Leadership Program 2020 in the U.S. and maybe you’ll be selected to participate. U.S. Embassy The Hague is accepting applications for the Women2Women International Leadership Program 2020 , which will take place in Boston, Massachusetts from July 30 to August 8, 2020. Are you a young woman (ages 16-19) …

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Embassy Statement on Intellectual Property Rights

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are a key component of countries that embrace the rule of law. IPR is critical for any economy that wants to foster a culture of innovation, risk taking, and entrepreneurship. Innovation and entrepreneurship can be expensive and risky. IPR provides some level of certainty that investments in innovation can be recaptured. …

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We are looking for the Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellow for 2020!

“Submit your application for a prestigious youth program in the United States during the summer of 2020.” U.S. Embassy The Hague is accepting applications for the 2020 Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellow!  Are you a Dutch citizen or legal permanent resident who is interested in diplomacy, the transatlantic relations ship, and public service?  Will you be …

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Joint Statement on the Maritime Cybersecurity Event during the One Conference

Joint Statement on the Maritime Cybersecurity Event during the One Conference News item | 02-10-2019 | 09:38 The following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Denmark, and the Netherlands. On October 1-3, 2019, the United States, Denmark, and the Netherlands chaired a maritime cybersecurity event in the margins of …

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Statement from the Press Secretary on the Visit of Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands

White House Statement from the Press Secretary Issued on: July 11, 2019 President Donald J. Trump will welcome Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands to the White House on July 18, 2019.  President Trump looks forward to reaffirming the historic ties and shared interests that link the United States and the Netherlands.  The President …

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50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing

The 1969 lunar landing was an unprecedented achievement — a milestone in human history. How did it happen? Decades of relentless scientific development as well as courageous astronauts who were determined to explore the unknown did the trick. But there is more. Technologies that are common today came out of Apollo space research. CAT scans, …

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Embassy Celebrates #75LiberationNL at Independence Day Reception

U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra hosted the celebration of the 243rd year of America’s independence at the John Adams Park in Wassenaar, the location of the U.S. Embassy in The Hague. We thank all our amazing sponsors for their generous donations. The reception celebrated the 75 years since the Liberation of the Netherlands, with World War …

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Ambassador Hoekstra discusses U.S. priorities at “De Maatschappij”

Item on the website of “De Maatschappij” – In gesprek met Pete Hoekstra, ambassadeur van de Verenigde Staten van Amerika, met een primeur! On June 25, 2019, Ambassador Hoekstra spoke to more than 80 members of the local chapters of  “De Maatschappij” at the Carlton-Ambassador Hotel in The Hague. Founded in 1777,  “De Maatschappij” is the oldest network organization in the Netherlands. The Ambassador talked about recent geo-political developments and the Dutch-U.S. …

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International Religious Freedom Report for 2018

The annual Report to Congress on International Religious Freedom describes the status of religious freedom in every country. Annual Report to Congress on International Religious Freedom – Full Report Annual Report to Congress on International Religious Freedom – Netherlands Section      

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Trafficking in Persons Report 2019

Through the annual Trafficking in Persons Report, we assess what governments around the world are doing to combat this crime. The TIP Report is an invaluable tool to arm ourselves with the latest information and guide our action at home and abroad. 2019 Trafficking in Persons Report – complete report 2019 Trafficking in Persons Report – the Netherlands

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Fulbright Awards Ceremony 2019

On June 17, 2019, Public Affairs Officer Sherry Keneson-Hall spoke at the Fulbright Award Ceremony, in the historic Academiegebouw of Utrecht University, on the occasion of Dutch students and scholars being honored as the latest Fulbright grantees. Established in 1946, the Fulbright Scholar program is an American scholarship administered jointly with the Dutch government, in which American students …

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Fietselfstedentocht: U.S. Embassy team joins 15,000 riders in Friesland

Ambassador Hoekstra and a U.S. Embassy team joined over 15,000 other riders in the traditional Fietselfstedentocht on Whit Monday. The 235 km (or 146 miles) track led the participants through the eleven cities and the countryside of the beautiful province of Friesland, from Dokkum in the East to Stavoren on the shores of the IJsselmeer. What …

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High school students watch Hidden Figures during Dutch Technology Week

From May 20-24, 2019, during the nation-wide Dutch Technology Week, high school students from all across the country could watch the movie “Hidden Figures” in a Pathé cinema, followed by a discussion about the importance of empowering women in STEM fields, led by female role models. Tamar Neter-Gans, one of the women in STEM role models herself, …

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Panel Discussion on Strategic Competition, 5G, and the Geopolitics of A.I.

The U.S. Mission to the Netherlands, in cooperation with The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies, organized a panel discussion on Strategic Competition, 5G, and the Geopolitics of A.I., with distinguished speakers Ms. Hester Somsen (Director for Security Policy, Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Dr. Michael J. Mazarr (Senior Political Scientist, RAND Corporation), and Dr. Tim …

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75th Memorial Day in Margraten to be observed May 26, 2019

75th Memorial Day in Margraten to be observed May 26 MARGRATEN, the Netherlands – The annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial in Margraten will be held Sunday, May 26, 2019 at 15:00. This ceremony has been a U.S. and Dutch tradition since May 1945. As thousands usually attend the event, …

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Ambassador Hoekstra visits North Holland and Friesland

On the occasion of the opening of a new exhibition in Museum Eenigenburg, West-Friesland, commemorating the 170th anniversary of the dramatic journey to the United States by several Eenigenburg families, Ambassador Hoekstra was presented with the first copy of a book entitled “Geloven in een Nieuwe Wereld,” written by local historian Fred Hoek and specially …

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50PLUS visits the U.S. Embassy in Wassenaar

More than 35 members of the 50PLUS political party attended a town hall meeting at the U.S. Embassy in Wassenaar. 50PLUS leader Mr. Henk Krol is a member of the U.S. Contact Group in the Dutch parliament. Ambassador Hoekstra addressed the group, and had an interesting exchange on how to improve the economic and security …

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Ambassador Hoekstra Honorary Patron of the America Europe Friendship Association (AEFA)

On March 29, 2019, Ambassador Hoekstra spoke at an event organized by the America Europe Friendship Association (AEFA) in cooperation with the Municipality of Brunssum. More than 120 guests, including Limburg Governor Theo Bovens, Mayors and NATO representatives were present. The AEFA aims to strengthen the transatlantic relationship, particularly from Limburg but with inclusion of …

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The Liberation Museum Groesbeek and Wassenaar fire fighter honored at Dutch-American Friendship Day 2019

The U.S. Embassy co-hosted the annual Dutch-American Friendship Day reception with the organization “Americans Overseas Remember” (OAR) . Each year, OAR presents a ‘Certificate of Appreciation’ to an individual or organization in the Netherlands that provided a great contribution to the Dutch-American relationship. For 2019, Ambassador Hoekstra presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Mr. Wiel Lenders, Director of the …

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CDA Business Club visits the U.S. Embassy in Wassenaar

More than 60 members of the CDA Business Club (a network organization of the Dutch political party Christen-Democratisch Appèl) attended a town hall meeting at the U.S. Embassy in Wassenaar. Ambassador Hoekstra addressed the group, and had an interesting exchange on how to improve the economic and security relations between the Netherlands and the United States. Besides that, …

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Ambassador Hoekstra installed as Honorary Weighing Master in Gouda

Ringing the market bell, Ambassador Hoekstra yesterday officially opened the Gouda Cheese Market season. After a tour with Mayor Salet of this world famous cheese market, museum director Marc de Beyer showed the Ambassador and his wife the collection of Museum Gouda , including the beautiful 16th century religious art and impressive scale model of the historic city. The visit …

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Ambassador pays official visit to Zeeland

Ambassador Hoekstra and Mrs. Diane Hoekstra traveled to Zeeland on April 2 and 3 for an official visit to the province. They were greeted by King’s Commissioner Han Polman. Ambassador Hoekstra then gave the Roosevelt Lecture at the Roosevelt Institute for American Studies, followed by a dinner with students from University College Roosevelt and Ostrea Lyceum in …

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Former Speaker Gingrich speaks in Amsterdam and The Hague

On April 1, 2019, former Speaker of the House of Representatives Newt Gingrich participated in programs in Amsterdam and The Hague. He started the day with a visit to the Artis Amsterdam Royal  Zoo . Mr. Gingrich has a lifelong interest in zoos, and was very keen to visit one of the oldest zoos on mainland Europe.  Together with …

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Cyberheroes strive to make the Netherlands and the U.S. a safer place

Cyberheroes is a one-week training that brought together 20 talented youngsters from the Netherlands and New Mexico. Together they were trained in ethical hacking skills by a series of subject matter experts – and each other – to address current security threats and crimes. Over the course of the week, they took on hacking battles, …

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Ambassador Hoekstra invites American Citizens for a Town Hall Meeting

In close cooperation with the U.S. Consulate General in Amsterdam, Ambassador Hoekstra hosted a town hall meeting at the U.S. Embassy in Wassenaar for more than 80 American Citizens living in the Netherlands. After brief remarks on the issues that the U.S. Embassy is currently working on, such as the upcoming Global Entrepreneurship Summit and …

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Ambassador Hoekstra in Curaçao for GES

Ambassador Peter Hoekstra traveled to Curacao to take part in events around the “Road to the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES)-Caribbean.” Ambassador Hoekstra addressed more than 200 entrepreneurs from throughout the Caribbean about the importance of entrepreneurship in today’s global economy. He said that he had been highly impressed by the business concepts, innovation, and entrepreneurship …

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Sweet visit to Fryslân

During a visit to the province of Friesland on March 1, 2019, Ambassador Hoekstra went to Jirnsum, where he visited the factories of Concorp, the third-largest confectionary company in the Netherlands. Founded in 1960, Concorp is a 100 percent family-owned business with an annual turnover of 60 million euros and 150 employees. Concorp brands include …

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Ambassador Hoekstra visits the Province of Groningen

On February 28, 2019, Ambassador Hoekstra visited the province of Groningen. His trip included a tour of Groningen Seaports and its operations in Eemshaven and Delfzijl. In Eemshaven he met companies in the energy, chemical, and data management sectors, and was given a tour of the largest wind farm in the Netherlands. A later visit to the …

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Ambassador Hoekstra hosts the Transatlantic Christian Council

On February 21, 2019, Ambassador Hoekstra hosted a reception for business people from the  Transatlantic Christian Council . More than 50 entrepreneurs attended the event. This reception was a follow-up of Ambassador Hoekstra’s visit to Barendrecht and Bodegraven on October 30, 2018. In his speech, the Ambassador spoke about investment and innovation. He also focused on two major …

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DCM Crowley speaks at the 75th commemoration of the bombing of Nijmegen

Remarks DCM Shawn P. Crowley Nijmegen Memorial, February 22, 2019 Friday, February 22, marked the 75th anniversary of the accidental bombing of Nijmegen that leveled much of the inner city and cost the lives of more than 800 people. Deputy Chief of Mission Shawn Crowley made remarks in the historic Sint Stevenskerk to mark the …

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Message for U.S. Citizens: Town Hall Announcement

Ambassador Pete Hoekstra, will host a town hall meeting for U.S. citizens resident in the Netherlands. The town hall is a chance for U.S. citizens to meet the Ambassador and other members of the U.S. Mission. During the town hall, subject-matter experts will be available to answer questions on topics such as passport renewal, personal …

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Ambassador Hoekstra delivers prestigious Machiavelli lecture: “The Threat of a Lost Generation”

Ambassador Hoekstra gave the annual Machiavelli lecture for the Machiavelli Foundation  in Nieuwspoort Press Center in The Hague  on February 13, 2019 Remarks – Ambassador Pete Hoekstra February 13, 2019 Machiavelli Lecture As prepared Thank you for inviting me to be with you this evening. It is a real honor. Diane and I thoroughly enjoy living here, …

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International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebrated in Amsterdam

Tamar Neter-Gans, founder and CEO of RobotWise , recently participated in the IVLP project “Hidden No More”, inspired by the movie “Hidden Figures” about three brilliant African-American women at NASA, who served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. This U.S. exchange program brought …

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Ambassador Hoekstra engages with Christen-Unie youth chapter PerspectieF

During a diplomatic training program, Ambassador Hoekstra spoke to the youth chapter of ChristenUnie, PerspectieF, on international diplomacy, the tools used by the United States to promote foreign policy, and about his experience in business and politics. Questions from the students followed and it was a productive discussion with people who are on track to be …

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Lockheed Martin And Royal Netherlands Air Force Celebrate Rollout Of First Dutch Operational F-35

On January 30, 2019, Dutch and American officials celebrated the rollout of the first operational F-35A Lightning II for the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas, commemorating a transformational leap in capability for the future of the Netherlands’ national defense. “Receiving this F-35 at Leeuwarden Air Base later this …

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Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner – Remarks by Deputy Chief of Mission Shawn Crowley

Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner – Remarks by Deputy Chief of Mission Shawn Crowley Hotel Den Haag, Wassenaar, January 27, 2019 Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Thank you, Roberta, and the members of Overseas Americans Remember for organizing this event, as well as everything else you do to strengthen Dutch-American relations. I would like to …

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We are looking for the Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellow for 2019!

“Make a short video in English to participate in our competition to earn a nomination for a prestigious youth program in the United States during the summer of 2019.” U.S. Embassy The Hague is looking for the Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellow for 2019!  Are you Dutch and will you be 16 or 17 years old …

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Apply for our Youth Action Council – Deadline Tuesday, January 1, 2019

Are you 17-23 years old, (socially) entrepreneurial, and a team player? Do you want to make a positive contribution to society, while strengthening the Dutch-American relationship? Are you a hard worker, looking to further develop your professional skills and your network? Then we might be looking for you! The U.S. Mission to the Netherlands is …

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Ambassador Hoekstra engages with students of the 4e Gymnasium in Amsterdam

Fifteen-year-old Just Pallandt, initiated a high-profile visit by inviting Ambassador Pete Hoekstra to the 4e Gymnasium in Amsterdam. The Ambassador spoke to a group of 140 students from this secondary school about his personal background, the strong relations between the Netherlands and the United States, economic and security challenges we are facing, and the upcoming …

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Signing of the Condolence Registries

In honor of the memory of former President George H.W. Bush, condolence registries will be opened for those wishing to show their respect. Signing opportunities at the Embassy of the United States of America, John Adams Park 1 in Wassenaar, will be on Tuesday, December 4, 2018, and Thursday December 6, 2018, from 10:00 – …

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Road2USA and Canada event in Tilburg

On November 26, 2018, Chargé d’Affaires Shawn Crowley gave opening remarks at the Road2USA and Canada event, which was organized by the Dutch Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy. The event was held at the Willem II Stadium in Tilburg and promoted doing business in the United States and …

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Thanksgiving in De Pieterskerk

November 22, 2018 – Some of the Pilgrims left Leiden in the Netherlands for their long and fateful trip to the New World in 1620. Many of them worshipped at the Pieterskerk in Leiden. Some of the traditions of a Thanksgiving feast are said to have come with the Pilgrims from the Netherlands, perhaps learned …

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Transatlantic educational exchange celebrated at Fulbright Thanksgiving reception

During International Education Week , the Netherlands Fulbright Alumni Association and the U.S. Embassy The Hague organized an early Thanksgiving event for Fulbright alumni at the Ambassador’s Residence. The fifty guests had a lovely evening which started off with speeches by Public Affairs Counselor Sherry Keneson-Hall and Chargé d’Affaires Shawn Crowley. The Fulbright program is the flagship international …

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Walking Dinner for Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Offers Networking Opportunities

November 13 – Ambassador Hoekstra co-hosted the third annual Women’s Entrepreneurship Dinner together with Ms. Carine de Meyere, the Dutch Ambassador for Women’s Entrepreneurship Day.  De Meyer is the Director of Partnerships for TEDxAmsterdamWomen . Around 25 high-level women entrepreneurs and business leaders from a broad range of fields joined the hosts for a presentation by Lotte Leufkens, …

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Honoring the fallen on Veterans’ Day Weekend at the Commonwealth Remembrance Day Service

November 11, 2018 Westduin Cemetery, The Hague – Each year a service his held for Commonwealth Remembrance Day in The Hague to honor the sacrifices of the Commonwealth forces in the First and Second World Wars. The ceremony was hosted by British Ambassador Peter Wilson who spoke on the importance of remembering those who died so others might …

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Historic helmet donated to the U.S. Embassy

Ambassador Hoekstra was presented Friday with the helmet of an unknown fallen World War II U.S. Army soldier. It was donated by a Dutch historian, who recovered the helmet from an Operation Market Garden drop zone near Nijmegen. Despite advances in DNA technology, there was no identifiable traces on the helmet that allowed for identifying …

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Lions Club Wassenaar organizes annual dinner at the U.S. Embassy

On November 5, 2018, the brand new U.S. Embassy opened its doors to 125 representatives of the Wassenaar service club community: the Ladies Circle , the Soroptimists , the Round Table , three Rotary clubs and three Lions clubs . In the presence of Wassenaar’s Mayor, Mr. Frank Koen, the evening was opened by Ambassador Pete Hoekstra. He welcomed all the guests and emphasized the …

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Imam Mohamad Bashar Arafat visits the Netherlands

Last week, Imam Mohamad Bashar Arafat of the Civilizations Exchange and Cooperation Foundation (CECF) of Baltimore, Maryland, visited the Netherlands. In Rotterdam, The Hague, and Amsterdam, he provided insights into successful interfaith and cross-cultural exchanges to Dutch educational, community and religious leaders, as well as students, based on his religious expertise, CECF’s groundbreaking work with youth, and his 10-plus years …

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Ambassador Hoekstra visits Eindhoven

On October 24, Ambassador Hoekstra visited the city of Eindhoven , the Netherlands’ fifth largest city. Located in the province of North Brabant, Eindhoven is known as a technology and design hub. The Ambassador began with a visit to the DAF Trucks operations and touring the facility. Ambassador Hoekstra learned more about “Van Doorne’s Aanhangwagen Fabriek” – now called DAF …

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Ambassador Hoekstra gives a guest lecture at Erasmus University Rotterdam

By the invitation of Dr Julian Emami Namini,  Ambassador Hoekstra spoke at the Erasmus University Rotterdam’s School of Economics on the recent developments in the Dutch and EU economic relationship with the United States. A large and engaged group of students asked the Ambassador questions concerning trade, tariffs, and other economic issues. There were about 500 students in attendance. Erasmus University …

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DHS Assistant Secretary for Cyber Affairs Speaks at the One Conference on Cyber Security

October 2 – Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for Cyber Jeanette Manfra emphasized the importance of collective cyber defense at the One Conference in The Hague.  She said “Cyber security is more than a shared responsibility. We have to defend it collectively as allies.” The One Conference is an international cyber security conference and this year’s theme was ‘Merging Worlds – …

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First Tech Sister Cities event in Eindhoven a great success.

On September 12 and 13, Dispatches Europe organized its first Tech Sister Cities event in Eindhoven, sponsored by U.S. Embassy The Hague. American investor Jonathan Blue, founder and chairman of Blue Equity, met with many representatives of Eindhoven’s tech and entrepreneurial communities. The main event, Mr. Blue’s talk called “Eyes Wide Open – How American Investors …

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Crowds honor the memory of those who fought in Operation Market Garden

September 21-23 — Despite heavy rains, thousands showed up to pay their respects this weekend at events in honor of Operation Market Garden.  On Friday, Ambassador Hoekstra laid a wreath in Airborneplein in Arnhem to mark the 74th anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem and Operation Market Garden. Thousands of Dutch came out to pay their respects …

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Statement Regarding the Attack on U.S. Citizens in Amsterdam

Press Statement September 5, 2018- The U.S. citizens injured in the attack at Amsterdam Central Station on August 31 would like to thank some of the people who have helped them through this difficult ordeal.  First, they thank the Dutch police for their quick and professional actions.  The victims said the police have been empathetic …

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101 year old World War II veterans share stories of liberating the Netherlands

World War II veterans Captain Roy Hanna and Lieutenant Colonel James “Maggie” Megellas visited the Embassy August 30 for a question and answer session with the Embassy staff.  This was one of many trips the men have made to the Netherlands, but they focused on the first time they entered the country in September of …

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Remembering the Dutch victims of World War II in Asia

On August 15, 2018, Ambassador Hoekstra laid a wreath on behalf of the United States at remembrance ceremony to commemorate the Japanese surrender and to remember the Dutch victims of World War II in Asia. Wreaths were laid at the Indisch Monument in The Hague by dignitaries including Prime Minister Rutte, survivors, and people with …

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Unveiling of a new bronze bust of Eleanor Roosevelt in Middelburg

On August 6, 2018, Laura and Trudy Roosevelt, granddaughter and great-granddaughter of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, unveiled a bronze bust of Laura’s grandmother Eleanor Roosevelt in the Abbey of Middelburg to mark the seventieth anniversary of the universal declaration of human rights. The province of Zeeland wanted the bust to be placed in the …

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Amsterdam Pride walk

Around 50 staff members and their families from the U.S. Embassy in The Hague and the U.S. Consulate in Amsterdam participated in the Amsterdam Pride Walk on July 28, 2018. The U.S. Mission in the Netherlands loves joining the people of Amsterdam in celebrating Pride and we reaffirm the United States’ commitment to protecting and …

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Expanding the Reach of the Dutch Caucus

During his recent visit to the islands of Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten, Ambassador Hoekstra discussed including the islands in the work of the Congressional Caucus on the Netherlands.  Ambassador Hoekstra was a founding chairman of the caucus during his time in the U.S. Congress as the Representative for Michigan’s Second District. This week Congressman Bill Huizenga …

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2000 dancers gather from 24 countries to celebrate ‘Uniquely American’ pastime

The 10th European Square Dance Convention is taking place in Amsterdam July 20-22. The weekend is a gathering of members of the European Association of American Square Dancing Clubs ( EAASDC). Three Dutch clubs (the Tulip Twirlers, Rainbow Strollers, and the Motiveters) organized the event along with Maarten and Wil Weijers. This is the first time …

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Dutch sign contract for MQ-9 Reapers

On July 17, 2018, the Netherlands signed a contract with the United States to purchase four MQ-9 Reapers, as well as associated ground stations, sensors, and operational support.  During a ceremony at the Farnborough International Airshow in the UK, Vice Admiral Jan de Waard, the director of the Netherlands’ Defense Materiel Organization, and Lt. General Charles Hooper, head of …

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Read: Department of State spokesperson addresses MH17 during daily press briefing

Heather Nauert Spokesperson Department Press Briefing Washington, DC July 18, 2018 EXCERPT FROM TRANSCRIPT: QUESTION: … Does the U.S. Government still stand by its previous statements and positions that – in support of the Dutch investigation team that held that Russia was responsible for downing it? MS NAUERT: We certainly do. The United States Government has long …

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Joint Statement From G7 Foreign Ministers on MH17

Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC July 18, 2018 The G7 foreign ministers today issued the following statement in advance of the anniversary of the downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17: We, the G7 foreign ministers, of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the High …

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Creating the perfect little dish using U.S. dried fruits and tree nuts

U.S. Dried Fruits and Tree Nuts Recipe Book   (In Dutch and English)  (PDF 1 MB) The popularity of nuts and dried fruits in the Netherlands is rising. One of the largest exporters of almonds, pistachios and walnuts to the Dutch market are the United States. Besides that, the U.S. is the largest supplier of cranberries and (dried) plums to the Netherlands. On …

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Embassy Celebrates the American Road Trip on Independence Day

U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra hosted the celebration of the 242nd year of America’s independence at the John Adams Park in Wassenaar, the new location of the U.S. Embassy in The Hague. The reception celebrated the American road trip, by displaying a selection of classic American cars and a Route 66 theme. We thank all of …

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The United States and the Netherlands Sign Defense Agreement

Ambassadors Pete Hoekstra and Henne Schuwer signed a Chapeau Agreement Establishing a Framework for bilateral Defense Cooperation Activities. With this agreement, the Netherlands and the United States strengthen cooperation between the two countries on military equipment and operations. The agreement involves exchanging military personnel, such as pilots, liaison officers, and technicians, as well as exchanging information about new …

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Operation “Atlantic Resolve” arrives at the Port of Rotterdam

More than 65 Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters from 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, are on their way to Eindhoven after arriving in Rotterdam from Texas on June 20, 2018. The helicopters, from Fort Carson, Colo., will team up with 1,700 troops as part of Atlantic Resolve, an ongoing mission to show the U.S. …

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Statement by the Press Secretary on the Visit of Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands

Issued on: June 18, 2018 President Donald J. Trump will welcome Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands to the White House on July 2, 2018. President Trump looks forward to reaffirming the strong bonds of friendship between the United States and the Netherlands, which reach back over four hundred years. The President and Prime …

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Ambassador Hoekstra unveils moon rock at the Museon Science Museum in The Hague

Together with Dutch astronaut  André Kuipers,  Ms. Christine van der Sman, director of  Museon , and former Deputy Mayor of The Hague Karsten Klein, unveiled a special moon rock in the Museon science museum in The Hague. The moon rock was collected by NASA’s Apollo 17 mission in December 1972. The stone is 3.8 billion years old and …

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U.S. Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos visits the Netherlands

The U.S. Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos , travelled to the Netherlands for an official program on June 11-12, as the second stop on a three country trip to Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, to explore the vocational education, decentralized school systems, and apprenticeship programs within Europe. Her visit to the Netherlands, planned by the Dutch Ministry of Education, …

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Fulbright Awards Ceremony 2018

Ambassador Pete Hoekstra delivered remarks and handed out awards at the annual Fulbright Award Ceremony in Leiden. Out of a pool of Dutch applicants, nine PhD candidates and eight graduate students were selected to participate in the internationally renowned program. Established in 1946, the Fulbright Scholar program is an American scholarship administered jointly with the …

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Memorial Day ceremony honors veterans and active duty service members

The annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten is always emotional.  The ceremony is held among the names of 10,023 service men and women buried or honored in the cemetery.  Those service members died in World War II during the liberation of Europe.  Ambassador Pete Hoekstra spoke at the ceremony of …

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Fallen soldiers honored on Memorial Day weekend in Margraten

Each Memorial Day weekend, thousands of visitors travel to the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten to honor the Americans killed in World War II. On Saturday, American children from the local Boy and Girl Scout troops,  as well as other volunteers, spent several hours planting U.S. and Dutch flags on each of the 8,301 graves. …

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Ambassador and team complete famous 235 kilometer bike race

Ambassador Hoekstra led a four-person Embassy team to complete the 11 city bike race called the Fietselfstedentocht on May 21.  For more than 100 years the Province of Friesland has hosted the bike race.  More than 15,000 participants ride 235 kilometers through the province.  This was Ambassador Hoekstra’s third time completing the race.  The Embassy team …

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Ambassador Hoekstra visits Gouda and Oudewater

Ambassador Pete Hoekstra visited the towns of Gouda and Oudewater on May 7, 2018. In Gouda he first visited  the  Driestar College where he met with students and administrators. He then went to Driestar Educatief to speak with administrators about the Dutch educational system and school choice. He was invited to join Mayor Milo Schoenmaker for lunch …

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Ambassador Hoekstra speaks at “Faces of Margraten”

On May 2, 2018, Ambassador Pete Hoekstra visited the Netherlands American Cemetery Margraten to commemorate the fallen and missing men and women who helped in the liberation of the Netherlands during World War II and to show support for “ The Faces of Margraten ” initiative. He was joined by Theo Bovens, the King’s Commissioner of the Province of Limburg, and Dieudonné Akkermans, …

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On the Occasion of Koningsdag in the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Press Statement John J. Sullivan Deputy Secretary of State Washington, DC April 26, 2018 On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I congratulate His Majesty King Willem-Alexander on his fifth celebration of Koningsdag, and extend my best wishes to the people of the Netherlands on this joyous occasion. For more than …

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Marshall Plan Symposium highlights importance of transatlantic ties

On April 26, we concluded a year of programs celebrating the Marshall Plan 70th anniversary with a symposium in Rotterdam at the Hotel New York. On April 26, 1948, the MS Noordam arrived in the city of Rotterdam with the first load of Marshall Plan aid. Our symposium featured remarks by Rotterdam Mayor Aboutaleb, Ambassador …

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The “Faces of Margraten” honored at Dutch-American Friendship Day 2018

The U.S. Embassy co-hosted the annual Dutch-American Friendship Day reception with the organization “Americans Overseas Remember” (OAR). Ambassador Hoekstra delivered brief remarks and presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Sebastiaan Vonk of the “Faces of Margraten” organization. He received the award for his commitment to the memory of the American soldiers who are commemorated at …

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Turnover of the Dutch pulses industry grew to a record high turnover of 65 million euros in 2017!

The trend to eat more vegetables is reflected in the sales figures of pulses. Sales of dried beans, peas and lentils have increased by 25 percent since 2014 and are now good for a total turnover of more than 65 million euro. The market has grown due to product innovations, especially in the field of …

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Ambassador Hoekstra explores his roots at official visit to the Province of Fryslân

Ambassador Hoekstra travelled to Friesland April 11 and 12, to strengthen cooperation between the Mission and the province. The Ambassador participated in a handful of political and cultural events over the duration of his stay. He met with the King’s Commissioner to Friesland Arno Brok in Leeuwarden, where they discussed the economic and historic relationship …

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Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Night in the Abdijkerk Loosduinen

April 4, 2018 – On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the death of Dr. King, a special evening of commemoration, organized by volunteers, was held at the Abdijkerk in Loosduinen , the oldest church in The Hague. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra was guest of honor for the commemoration. The evening was filled with video, choir songs, and …

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Ambassador Hoekstra visits Bier&cO in Amsterdam

On April 3, 2018 Ambassador Hoekstra visited Bier&cO in Amsterdam, one of Europe’s leading importers of U.S. craft beer. Here, the Ambassador and the staff of Bier&cO had a round table discussion about the market for craft beer. Stephanie Heijning category manager at Albert Heijn informed the Ambassador about the attractive and innovative packaging of craft …

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American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) hosts welcome dinner honoring the arrival of U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra

On March 27, 2018, the Rotterdam Chapter of the AmCham hosted a welcome dinner on board the SS Rotterdam to honor the arrival of U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra. Among the guests were members of a bipartisan Congressional Delegation consisting of Congressman Bill Huizenga, Congressman John “Judge” Carter, Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen, Congressman Gregory Meeks and Congressman …

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Ambassador Hoekstra addresses APEP group going on study tour to the U.S.

On March 20, 2018, Ambassador Hoekstra met with Dutch financial experts from the mortgage, real-estate, and banking sectors to discuss general trends in the U.S. economy and U.S.- Dutch economic priorities. This Dutch delegation will be traveling to Miami and New York in April for a study program through the Atlantic and Pacific Exchange Program …

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Ambassador Hoekstra visits Voorlinden museum and gardens

March 21, 2018 – Ambassador Hoekstra and his wife, Diane visited the Voorlinden Museum and Gardens to familiarize themselves with the American Embassy’s new neighbor. The Voorlinden is an influential local museum that connects people, art, nature, and architecture. Established in 2016, the museum showcases modern and contemporary art and wants to be “an oasis of tranquility in the …

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Ambassador Hoekstra learns of innovations and opportunities in Groningen

March 6-7 2018 – Ambassador Pete Hoekstra visited his birthplace – the city of Groningen. His two-day journey offered a nostalgic look at the city where his parents lived, but also included briefings and meetings with officials, local businesses, universities, and institutes to learn about the innovative opportunities in the northern city. The Ambassador visited …

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Ambassador Hoekstra hands over key of old embassy to Mayor Krikke of The Hague

March 5, 2018 – Ambassador Pete Hoekstra was delighted to hand over the key for the old U.S. Embassy at the Lange Voorhout to Mayor Pauline Krikke of Gemeente Den Haag, who promised to give the building a good second life. For nearly 60 years, from 1959 until 2018, the U.S. Embassy in The Hague …

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Women2Women International Leadership Program 2018

“Let us know why you should participate in the Women2Women International Leadership Program 2018 in the U.S. and maybe you’ll be selected to participate.” U.S. Embassy The Hague is looking for young women (ages 15-19) who want to participate in the Women2Women International Leadership Program, which will take place in Boston, Massachusetts on July 19-28, …

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Ambassador Hoekstra hosts 10 participants of the third IMC Weekend School’s “Ambassador’s Training” program

February 16, 2018 – Ambassador Hoekstra and his wife Diane hosted 10 participants of the third IMC Weekend School’s “Ambassador’s Training” program at their Residence for a meeting and dinner. The IMC Weekend School, organizes extracurricular Sunday lessons for high-potential school children in underprivileged communities throughout the Netherlands. It currently has ten branches. During a …

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Ambassador Hoekstra speech at the Commemoration of the bombing of Nijmegen

February 22, 2018 Dank u wel. Ik wil u allereerst mijn excuses aanbieden. Ik wil deze toespraak heel graag in het Nederlands houden, ondanks dat mijn Nederlandse uitspraak nog niet perfect is, maar ik werk er aan. Burgemeester Bruls, collega’s van het corps diplomatique, overlevenden, verwanten van de slachtoffers, dames en heren, beste kinderen, ik …

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DEA, Dutch law enforcement continue attack on dark web drug sales with “knock and talks” in U.S. and the Netherlands

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DEA, Dutch law enforcement continue attack on dark web drug sale International day of action includes knock and talks with suspected dark web drug buyers; Information produced from Hansa takedown THE HAGUE – The United States Drug Enforcement Administration and Dutch law enforcement officials today announced sustained action against drug trafficking on the dark web, …

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As of February 1, 2018, KLM is now part of TSA Pre✓®.

Passengers on KLM flights departing participating US airports will start to see TSA Pre✓® on their boarding passes and can now use the TSA Pre✓® lines.   TSA Pre✓® expands to include 5 additional domestic and international airlines Expedited screening now available through 47 air carriers National Press Release Thursday, February 1, 2018 WASHINGTON — The Transportation Security Administration …

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Cultural Corner: Ambassador Hoekstra visits the Anne Frank House

Ambassador Hoekstra and his wife Diane visited the Anne Frank House Museum in Amsterdam recently.  Director Ronald Leopold explained his organization’s educational mission and talked about the renovations being made to the building that houses The Secret Annex where Anne and her family hid from the Nazis for more than two years during World War …

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Peter Hoekstra officially becomes U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands

On Wednesday, January 10, Peter Hoekstra presented his credentials to King Willem-Alexander to officially become the 67th U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands. Ambassador Hoekstra was driven to Paleis Noordeinde in a ceremonial state coach accompanied by his wife Diane. Upon arrival at the palace, the Ambassador inspected the Koninklijke Militaire Kapel Johan Wilem Friso, which played the …

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Address of the New U.S. Embassy The Hague

NOTE: Consular Services (American Citizen Services. Visa Services) remain at the U.S. Consulate General at the Museumplein in Amsterdam. The U.S. Embassy in the Netherlands will be moving to a new location in John Adams Park in Wassenaar. It will be open on January 29, 2018. Embassy phone numbers will remain the same. To contact us call:  +31 70 …

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Soldiers honor WWII tradition with Christmas Eve in the caves of Maastricht

  Soliders from the U.S. Army participated in the annual mass honoring the Christmas Eve Mass celebrated by American soldiers in 1944. For the second year, CDA Shawn Crowley and his wife Sabine represented the U. States Mission. December 24th, 1944, the Dutch Brothers of the Immaculate Conception organized a Christmas Eve Mass in the …

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U.S. and Dutch celebrate signing ceremony for Chinook Modernization

CDA Shawn Crowley and others from the Embassy’s Foreign Commercial Service and Office of Defense Cooperation attend the signing ceremony for the Chinook Helicopter CH47 Modernization at Gilze Rijen Air Base. The ceremony was attended by officials from Boeing and the Dutch Ministries of Defense, Finance, and Economic Affairs.  The ceremony celebrated the Dutch government’s decision to modernize six CH47 helicopters. During the …

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Ambassador-designate Peter Hoekstra sworn in by Vice President Mike Pence

Vice President Mike Pence performed the ceremony to swear in Peter Hoekstra as U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands in Washington, DC on December 11.  The Vice President congratulated the Holland, Michigan native on Twitter, noting that he knew from serving with Hoekstra in the Congress that “there’s no better man to be in the Netherlands …

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Cultural Corner: Thanksgiving in the Pieterskerk

This was the church where the lives of the Pilgrims were recorded: their births, marriages, and deaths. Their minister, John Robinson, was buried here. This is the Pieterskerk in Leiden.  After fleeing England in 1609, the Pilgrims found their way to Leiden, by way of Amsterdam. They stayed here until 1620, when a group of them …

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“The American Dream” on display in Assen in new exhibit

The Drents Museum in Assen, the Netherlands, opened an incredible exhibit November 18, with music, food, Elvis and Marilyn.  “The American Dream” is an exhibit that spans more than 70 years and is spread across two museums in two countries.  The Drents Museum is displaying works covering the post-war decades 1945-1965 and the Kunsthalle Emden, …

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CDA hosts Women’s Entrepreneurship Dinner in honor of Global Entrepreneurship Week

In honor of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, Charge d’Affaires Shawn Crowley and his wife Sabine Crowley hosted a dinner with women business leaders.  Guests came from a variety of fields and discussed mentoring, leadership, start-up financing, and many other topics.  We were also joined by the Global Ambassador for Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Carine de Meyere, who …

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Global Entrepreneurship Week 2017

There were thousands of events in 160 countries around the world for Global Entrepreneurship Week 2017, including more than 100 here in the Netherlands. As part of the week-long program to inspire millions into entrepreneurial activity, U.S. Embassy the Hague invited two U.S. speakers to participate in numerous events. Dr. Sharon T. Freeman, president and …

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Senate Confirms Peter Hoekstra as U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands

The U.S. Senate confirmed Peter Hoekstra as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Kingdom of the Netherlands on Thursday, November 9, 2017. Mr. Hoekstra is a prominent politician and business executive who served as a member of Congress from 1993-2011, representing Michigan’s 2nd Congressional District.  He was the Chairman of …

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CDA remarks to Dutch entrepreneurs at the Road2NorthAmerica XL event

Chargé d’Affaires Shawn Crowley on Monday spoke to Dutch entrepreneurs at the Road2NorthAmerica XL event. The networking event, organized by  Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland – RVO.nl  and the  Kamer van Koophandel , supports Dutch companies wanting to do business in the United States and Canada. Crowley: Thank you, Mark.  Good afternoon, Madam Ambassador.  Good afternoon everyone.  I’m delighted to see so many of you at …

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Cultural Corner: Lt. Col. Megellas, 100, crosses the Waal again

Lt. Col. James “Maggie” Megellas, the most-decorated officer in the history of the 82 nd Airborne, may be 100 years of age, but he sure doesn’t look it. And when he tells his stories, particularly the one about the harrowing events around the “Waal Crossing” of September 20, 1944, he’s a young man of 27 …

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Cybersecurity and entrepreneurship event in Amsterdam

More than 20 students attended a panel discussion on Cybersecurity and Entrepreneurship at the U.S. Consulate in Amsterdam on Monday. The students, from the Vrije Universiteit’s School of Business and Economics in Amsterdam, participated fully in the discussion that touched on cyber threats as well as how to start businesses to deal with them. Leading …

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Cultural Corner- WWII Locomotive Returns to the Netherlands

A rare artifact is coming to a Dutch railway museum in Goes this week: a Whitcomb diesel locomotive from after the Second World War. The Whitcomb locomotive type was bought in bulk by Dutch Railways after World War II. A part of the Marshall Plan – the U.S.-funded blueprint for reconstruction of 16 war-crippled countries …

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Unveiling of B-17 Monument in Beek (Limburg)

The Chargé d’Affaires Shawn Crowley delivered remarks at the unveiling of a new monument in the community of Beek on Saturday, October 14.  He was joined by Mayor Christine van Basten-Boddin and the deputy Governor of the Province of Limburg Ger Koopmans.  The Embassy’s Air Attaché Colonel Scott Fisher also participated in the ceremony. On …

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Cultural Corner: New book for JFK Centennial

John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, would have been 100 this year. To mark that occasion, Alex Krijger published the first in-depth biography of JFK in Dutch in almost 25 years. At a book launching event at ProDemos in The Hague, Krijger presented Chargé d’Affaires Shawn Crowley the first copy of …

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Cultural Corner: The Symbiosis of Kusaka and Wood

Museum Voorlinden, which celebrated its one-year anniversary on Sept. 11, opened an exhibit by Los Angeles-based artists Shio Kusaka and Jonas Wood on September 28. With this exhibit, which runs through January 7, the modern and contemporary art museum kicked off its year-long American Season series. Also to be featured in this series are Martin …

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Remarks by Chargé d’Affaires at Fulbright Reception

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you all for coming out tonight. Please allow me to give a special welcome to Executive Director Marcel Oomen, whose leadership of the Fulbright Center for more than 20 years has ensured the continuing success of the program. I’d like to also thank the members of the Fulbright Executive …

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Remarks by Consul General at Liberation Concert in Margraten

Consul General David McCawley delivered remarks before the annual Liberation Concert at the Netherlands-American Cemetery in Margraten September 17, 2017 Distinguished veterans, Mr. Mackus, Mayor Akkermans, Ms. Young, Lieutenant General Rittimann, Superintendent Stadler, Mr. de Goeij, Mr. Rosu and members of the South Netherlands Philharmonic, it is a distinct honor for me and my wife …

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A remarkable family united by one mission

They are three generations of one family. They enlisted in the militaries of three different nations. But their cause is the same: service. Henry Kubinski is a World War II veteran, having served as part of the First Independent Polish Parachute Brigade. He is back in the Netherlands for this week’s commemorations of Operation Market …

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World Port Days Reception

Each year during the first weekend of September, the city of Rotterdam and the Port of Rotterdam co-sponsor the annual World Port Days festival.  This year marks the 40th celebration of World Port Days and the festival theme is “Worldwide.”  The weekend-long festival is a chance for the public to visit many of the companies …

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President sends official nomination of Peter Hoekstra for U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands to Senate

Yesterday the White House announced that President Donald Trump sent 16 nominations to the Senate.  One was the official nomination for Peter Hoekstra, of Michigan, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.  The nomination is subject to Senate confirmation.   Read the full text …

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Dutch and U.S. Law Enforcement Take Down Online ‘Dark Markets’

July 20, 2017-  The Justice Department announced the seizure of the largest criminal marketplace on the Internet, AlphaBay, which operated for over two years on the dark web and was used to sell deadly illegal drugs, stolen and fraudulent identification documents and access devices, counterfeit goods, malware and other computer hacking tools, firearms, and toxic …

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2016 Country Reports on Terrorism – the Netherlands

Although terrorist attacks and fatalities from terrorism declined globally for the second year in a row in 2016, terrorist groups continued to exploit ungoverned territory and ongoing conflict to expand their reach, and to direct and inspire attacks around the world.  The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) remained the most potent terrorist threat …

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U.S. Consulate Independence Day Reception 2017

The U.S. Consulate General celebrated 241 years of U.S. independence along with the 70th anniversary of the Marshall Plan last Friday at Amsterdam’s historic Koepelkerk. It was a wonderful opportunity to highlight the close ties between the United States and the Netherlands with friends and partners from across Amsterdam and beyond. Many thanks to all …

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Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Ruth Bader Ginsburg Visits The Hague

Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States Ruth Bader Ginsburg generously offered up time to meet staff from the U.S. Mission in the Netherlands Monday, July 10.  The Justice is in The Hague at the invitation of the World Justice Forum .  She gave one of the keynote addresses at the opening event.  While at …

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CDA Shawn Crowley’s Remarks for the 2017 Independence Day Reception

Photo Gallery of the Event Video of the Event The Hague, June 30, 2017 Goedenmiddag!  Sabine and I are glad that you could join your friends from the Embassy, Consulate General, OPCW, and Europol to celebrate the 241st anniversary of our Declaration of Independence.  Many thanks to our excellent Marine Security Guards for posting the colors and …

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Fulbright Award Ceremony 2017

On June 19, 2017, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Sherry Keneson-Hall attended the Fulbright Award Ceremony in the historic Academiegebouw of Utrecht University. Twenty-three Dutch students and scholars were honored as the latest Fulbright grantees. The Fulbright Program offers scholarships to highly motivated foreign students to study in the U.S. and about an equal number …

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Chargé d’Affaires Shawn Crowley hosts Iftar Dinner

Remarks by Chargé d’Affaires Shawn Crowley The Hague, June 19, 2017 Ladies and gentleman, it is a true honor for Sabine and me to host this special Iftar dinner. Over the years we have had the pleasure of celebrating the breaking of the fast with friends in Tripoli, Kuwait City, Jerusalem, Benghazi, and Pristina, but also …

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Traveling alone with your kids this summer? Be prepared to avoid delays

Authorities at Schiphol Airport take seriously their responsibilities to protect children.  One way is to require additional screening of minors traveling alone or with only one parent.  If you are traveling alone with kids this summer, or are entrusting them in the care of someone else, we recommend you fill out and bring with you …

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Remarks of Charge d’Affaires at Memorial Day Ceremony in Margraten

Remarks of U.S. Charge d’Affaires Shawn Crowley Memorial Day Ceremony American Cemetery at Margraten May 28, 2017, 15:00 __________________________________________________________________ General Van der Louw, on behalf of the King; Minister and Mrs. Plasterk; General Middendorp; General and Mrs. Scaparrotti; your excellencies; Governor and Mrs. Bovens; Mayors; Ladies, and Gentlemen. As the grandson, son, and brother of …

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Dutch and U.S. citizens honor fallen soliders on Memorial Day weekend

Hundreds of citizens from the Netherlands, America, and other nations gathered, Saturday May 27, at the  Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial in Margraten to prepare for the annual ceremony in honor of Memorial Day.  The cemetery is administered by the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) and is the final resting place for 8,301 American soldiers who …

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A Tribute to American Composer and Conductor John Philip Sousa in Breda

The Harmonie Concordia Festival celebrated its 140th anniversary with a concert dedicated to American composer and conductor John Philip Sousa on May 20, 2017. Over 150 sousaphonists played the tuba-like instrument named after him. John Philip Sousa (November 6, 1854 – March 6, 1932) was known primarily for American military and patriotic marches. In fact, …

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Dodenherdenking in Barendrecht

A remembrance ceremony was held May 4th in Barendrecht to honor nine Dutch Resistance members, five Dutch military members, a Royal Australian Air Force Spitfire pilot, and four US Army Air Corps aviators who died when their B24 “Liberator” crashed in 1945. · Resistance Fighters M. Maasdam C. Keijzer J. Veldhoen A. Eriks B. Moekestorm …

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“Het Gooi Bevrijd” Commemoration in Bussum

We were deeply honored to join U.S. and other Allied veterans at Friday’s “Het Gooi Bevrijd” commemoration in the village of Bussum near Amsterdam. More than 80 vintage WWII vehicles joined the colorful procession in honor of Dutch Liberation Day. It was great to see so many young people in the crowds. We were especially …

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American Soldiers Honored During Annual Liberation Day Concert in Amsterdam

The soldiers took part in a tribute to the allies which included Belgian, British, Canadian, Dutch, French, Norwegian, and Polish soldiers. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands looked on while the soldiers marched out with other allies.  The concert was broadcast live on television via channel  NPO 1  and can be seen by clicking this …

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Earth Day an opportunity to highlight green technology in our new embassy

In honor of Earth Day, staff from the U.S. Embassy in The Hague invited contacts to tour the construction site of the new embassy to look at the Earth-friendly features of our new home.  The new U.S. Embassy boasts a number of “green” features from a heat-reflective “cool roof” to the ground source heat pump system.  The building …

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Cultural Corner – Bevrijdingskinderen

Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Bob Kingman was in Maastricht for the presentation of a new book by Mieke Kirkels, “Children of African-American Liberators.” Along with Kierkels, he presented copies of the book to the 12 “children” who were featured in the book. Kirkels’ first book, “From Alabama to Margraten,” told the story of Dr. …

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Dutch-American Friendship Day 2017

The U.S. Embassy co-hosted the annual Dutch-American Friendship Day reception together with the organization “Americans Overseas Remember” (OAR). Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Robert Kingman delivered brief remarks and presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the Board of the “ Stichting Herdenking Amerikaanse Kerstviering 1944” (SHAK 1944). Each year, they organize the Christmas Eve Mass in the caves of Maastricht …

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Royal Netherlands Navy welcomes U.S. Embassy team to Den Helder

The Commander of the Royal Netherlands Navy, Lieutenant General Rob Verkerk welcomed Chargé d’Affaires Shawn Crowley to the Dutch naval base in Den Helder.  Crowley was able to see first-hand the capabilities of the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) and Royal Netherlands Marine Corps (RNLMC) teams. Verkerk discussed their leadership, organizational, and command structures.  Captain Robert …

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Visit of U.S. Embassy staff to PepsiCo Nederland

Chargé d’Affaires Shawn Crowley visited PepsiCo’s Lay’s, Smiths and Cheetos factory in Broek op Langedijk. The factory was the first to produce potato chips in the Netherlands when it opened in 1958. Today, the factory supplies a wide assortment of snacks for the European market. In addition to the Broek op Langedijk facility, PepsiCo also …

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Next stop Mars? Americans and Europeans work together at ESTEC on the future of space travel.

A few miles north of The Hague, researchers and scientist are working on getting humans back to the moon and then onto Mars. The European Space Research and Technology Center (ESTEC) in Noordwijk is the largest European Space Agency (ESA) site in Europe.  On a recent visit, CDA Shawn Crowley and Embassy Science Officer Keith Krause …

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U.S. Air Force participates in Frisian Flag 2017 Exercises

The Louisiana Air National Guard-159th Fighter Wing is participating in operation Frisian Flag 2017 at the Dutch Air Base in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands.  Pilots from the Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal, the UK, and the U.S. will participate in exercises over Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands from March 27 to April 7. The United …

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Dunkin’ Donuts opens first location in the Netherlands

The U.S. Embassy helped welcome Dunkin’ Donuts to the Netherlands at the grand opening of their first location on the Nieuwendijk in Amsterdam. The new location features Dunkin’ Donuts’ world famous baked goods and coffees, as well as a selection of locally themed products, including tulip and windmill donuts.

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Dutch Military Awards U.S. Army Europe Commander Meritorious Service Medal

The Commander of U.S. Army Europe Lieutenant General Frederick “Ben” Hodges received the Meritorious Service Medal in Gold from the Dutch Minister of Defense on Monday, March 13th during a visit to the Netherlands. The award recognized LTG Hodges for his outstanding meritorious achievement as Commander, US Army Europe.  He was surprised at the ceremony …

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Global Partnerships Week: Advancing Digital Literacy and Cyber Skills in The Netherlands

Innovative cyber skills educational programs were the feature of a March 7 partnership between the U.S. Embassy The Hague and ECP (Platform for the Information Society). As a part of Global Partnerships Week, we were very pleased to partner with ECP, along with leading Dutch and U.S. businesses and organizations, to talk about the importance …

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2nd Sight BioScience and U.S. Embassy visit Dutch tomato grower CombiVliet to look for opportunities to further automate harvesting

Marcel Pinckaers (Foreign Agricultural Service) and Alec Boydston (Foreign Commercial Service) accompanied Kevin Oldenburg, CEO of Spokane, Washington based 2nd Sight BioScience, on a fact-finding visit to commercial greenhouse growers in the Westland region of the Netherlands. The visit included a meeting with Erik Helderman from Harvest House, one of the largest grower cooperatives in …

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Celebrating One Year of the Inclusion Leaders Network

The Inclusion Leaders Network  (ILN) celebrated its 1st anniversary March 2 with a reception at the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence, hosted by Chargé d’Affaires Shawn Crowley. The Dutch ILN was co-founded in March 2016 by two exchange alumni, Mpanzu Bamega and Ahmed Larouz, as a local spin-off of The German Marshall Fund of the United States ‘ annual “Transatlantic Inclusion Leadership Network” (TILN) in Brussels.  ILN has …

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U.S. Embassy The Hague remembers 73rd anniversary of the Nijmegen bombing

Public Affairs Counselor Sherry Keneson-Hall joined Mayor Bruls and other regional leaders in laying wreaths at the annual commemoration of the Nijmegen bombing February 22, 2017. The ceremony has taken place since 2001 to remembers the 800 victims of the tragic 1944 bombing of the city of Nijmegen. Keneson-Hall was asked to speak as the …

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Remarks by CDA Shawn Crowley at American Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands 55 Years Gala

It is my pleasure to congratulate the American Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands on its 55 years of service to the business community. Though much has changed in the past half century, indeed in the past half year, AmCham has remained a constant motor of prosperity for American companies and for the Netherlands.  The …

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The U.S. Embassy building in The Hague officially designated a national monument

Cees van ‘t Veen, Director National Cultural Heritage, on behalf of the Minister of Education, officially designated the American Embassy in The Hague a national monument during a ceremony at the Embassy on January 20, 2017. He presented the official designation plaque to Chargé d’Affaires Shawn Crowley. Tracy Metz, Director of the John Adams Institute …

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Brand USA Pavilion at the Vakantiebeurs

Come and visit the Brand USA Pavilion at the  Vakantiebeurs , the largest travel and tourist event in the Netherlands. Location: Jaarbeurs Utrecht, January 11-15, 2017 The Brand USA Pavilion can be found in Hall 3 of the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht. 1000 square meters of USA inspiration and information. Drinks, food and live performances can be …

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Negotiations to formally begin for implementation of U.S. CBP Preclearance operations at Schiphol

As a result of the Cabinet decision on December 9, 2016 the United States and the Netherlands will formally begin negotiations to implement U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance operations at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) in early 2017. With Preclearance, travelers undergo CBP immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections before boarding a flight to the …

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Retired F-16 on Dutch roundabout

An old, retired F-16, has now found a permanent home on the ground: a roundabout near Volkel Airbase in the Province of Brabant. On December 3, 2016, the airplane was transported to the traffic junction Zeelandsedijk/Rondweg, in the presence of Defense Minister Hennis-Plasschaert and the Mayor of the Municipality of Uden. U.S. Embassy The Hague’s …

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Thanksgiving in the home of the pilgrims

In many ways, this is where it all started: Leiden’s Pieterskerk in the Netherlands. In 1620, 35 pilgrims departed Leiden for Plymouth in England. From there, they sailed onward aboard The Mayflower to the new colonies of Massachusetts. The first harvest festival celebrated in the new colony is seen as the origin of Thanksgiving. And here, …

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Global Entrepreneurship Week: Dutch talent Yosef Safi Harb

Yosef Safi Harb is former Aerospace engineer specialized in sensor design turned health entrepreneur. He is currently the Founder of Happitech. Happitech uses the sensors on your smartphone with no additional hardware to measure vital signs like heart-rate rate, heart rate variability to detect heart-arrtyhmias, stress, life expectancy and fitness levels. Happitech’s technology is currently …

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U.S. Specialty Food exporters meet their Dutch partners

On November 14 and 15, 2016, nine U.S. exporters of Specialty Food Products had one-on-one meetings with twelve importers during a Reverse Trade Mission (RTM). This RTM was organized by Food Export USA Northeast in close cooperation with USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service in The Hague. The exporters were welcomed by Chargé D’Affairs Shawn Crowley and …

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Global Entrepreneurship Week: Dutch talent Laura Klauss

This week is Global Entrepreneurship Week. We would like to celebrate this by highlighting Dutch talent! Laura Klauss recently won the public vote for the prestigious Dutch Engineer of the Year Award. Together with like-minded engineers, she co-founded Better Future Factory, a multi-disciplinary sustainable company focused on design, environmental issues and engineering. Better Future Factory …

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All American Night in Leiden

More than 1,000 students and faculty attended the 13th edition of Minerva’s All American Night in Leiden’s magnificent Pieterskerk. Organized by the student members of Minerva Society, it was a night of politics, music, and even a play – the latest edition of a tradition that stretches back to the U.S. Presidential Election of 1968. …

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Cultural Corner – Emily Dickinson’s Walls of Poetry

The famously reclusive Emily Dickinson might not have felt comfortable with all the attention. But surely she would have loved the fact that one of her poems has been immortalized on a wall of a school house in a lovely neighborhood of The Hague. Dickinson, whose work received almost no recognition while she was still …

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D-Day Flag arrives in the Netherlands

On September 15, a unique American flag carried during D-Day in 1944 arrived at the Nationaal Militair Museum in Soesterberg. The flag was accepted with military ceremony in the presence of Dutch Defense Minister Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and about twenty American World War II veterans. The museum opened an exhibition on the flag on this day. …

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Remembering September 11

Embassy personnel came together to share their memories of the attacks on September 11, 2001. Overseas Americans Remember organized the ceremony which combined personal stories and music to honor those who died on that day 15 years ago, along with those who worked tirelessly to save them.

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Liberation Concert Margraten

Since 2006, the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten has held an open-air Liberation Concert as a tribute to and in remembrance of the liberation of the Netherlands that began in September 1944 and those who died to secure it. CDA Shawn P. Crowley gave the opening remarks below at the concert on September 4, 2016. …

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Chargé d’Affaires Shawn Crowley visits the city of Rotterdam

Chargé d’Affaires Shawn Crowley visited the city of Rotterdam September 1, 2016. He met with Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb to discuss areas of mutual cooperation. During a visit to the Essalam Islamic Center, he discussed religious freedom and tolerance and had a tour with the Director and staff. The day ended with a tour of the …

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