Join us: Netherlands-EU Economic Dialogue (NEED) 2026
Business Climate Challenges in EU and NL for foreign investors
The Edge, Amsterdam | November 30, 2026
Join us for a peer-to-peer discussion on what is most urgent for you as a foreign investor in the Netherlands.
The ‘Draghi’ and ‘Wennink’ reports have set out the challenges Europe and the Netherlands must address to strengthen their competitiveness, investment climate and future prosperity. Where does the Dutch business climate need to improve, and how can Wennink’s advice make a tangible difference to your investment and growth plans?
At the same time, we want to turn the conversation around: How can foreign investors help address major challenges facing the Dutch and European economies — including energy security, supply chain resilience, technological sovereignty and strategic FDI — and what do these developments mean for your business?
Engage with seasoned experts and senior professionals from Wennink’s Report Team, A.P. Møller–Maersk, Huawei, Microsoft, Ministry of Economic Affairs, European Investors, and more.
This program is co-organized by the European American Chamber of Commerce Netherlands, AKD, Bird & Bird, Deloitte and Loyens & Loeff with support of the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA).
Agenda
Chair: Bart van Bolhuis (Former Minister Counselor Economy, Netherlands Embassy Washington)
13.00 – 13.30 | Doors open
13.30 – 13.45 | Welcome: EACC Netherlands | Introduction: Hilde van der Meer
13.45 – 14.45 | Keynote & fireside chat on improving the investment climate; and on how foreign investors can be part of the solution with Bart van Bolhuis, Berend Nix and others
14.45 – 15.15 | Break
15.15 – 16.30 | Breakouts with peer-to-peer dialogue sessions*:
- AKD | ‘From abundance to exposure: The future of Europe’s energy security’
- Bird & Bird | ‘EU tech sovereignty, trade restrictions and high-risk vendors: leveraged or unbalanced approach?’
- Deloitte | ‘Bridging blocs: How scenario planning transforms geopolitical risk into supply chain resilience’
- Loyens & Loeff | ‘Investing in EU: from open access to managed entry while maintaining competitiveness’
16.30 – 16.45 | Transition to plenary session
16.45 – 18.00 | Panel on key takeaways from dialogue sessions with AKD, A.P. Møller–Maersk, Bird & Bird, Deloitte, Huawei, Loyens & Loeff and Microsoft. Including reflections by Gerben Everts and more
18.00 – 19.30 | Networking reception
Date & location
November 30, 2026 | The Edge building, Gustav Mahlerlaan 2970, Amsterdam
Who should attend?
Executives and senior management of foreign companies from all industries and nationalities, operating in the Netherlands.
REGISTRATION
(Kindly note: registration is upon registration and subject to verification. Foreign investors will have priority. In case you are interested to attend, please email marcel.schulze@eaccnl.eu)
*Breakouts with 4 peer-to-peer dialogue sessions:
AKD | From abundance to exposure: The future of Europe’s energy security
Europe’s energy market was built on three assumptions: abundant reserves, cheap pipeline gas, and a US-guaranteed global order. All three have changed. As Europe shifts from Russian pipeline dependency to US LNG dependency, the geopolitical leverage risk has not disappeared — it has simply moved.
This session traces the arc from energy abundance to structural exposure, examines why liberalization alone no longer fits the new reality, and asks what Europe must do differently on procurement, infrastructure, and pricing. Featuring perspectives from Shell on long-term energy scenarios, we explore what a resilient, competitive European energy system actually requires.
Bird & Bird | ‘EU tech sovereignty, trade restrictions and high-risk vendors: leveraged or unbalanced approach?’
Are you curious about the latest state of play in Brussels and how it may affect your business?
Experts from Bird & Bird, VNO-NCW, Microsoft and Huawei will discuss the European regulatory initiatives aiming for a more technologically sovereign Europe. Key statement for debate: ‘EU sovereignty and supply chain resilience require international collaboration rather than exclusion’.
What will be the potential impact of designating risky countries and high-risk vendors? How will it affect the EU economy? Brussels will be presenting a Tech Sovereignty Package, including investment programs and a framework for sovereign cloud and AI.
What can we expect from the upcoming proposal? The Commission has launched an initiative to streamline and simplify digital regulations for AI, data and cyber, the so-called AI & Digital Omnibus. What are the hot topics for the industry?
Join us for a lively debate and gain useful insights!
Deloitte | Bridging Blocs: How scenario planning transforms geopolitical risk into supply chain resilience
In a world of geopolitical fragmentation and recurring disruption, the traditional “lean & mean” supply chain has increased exposure to and impact of disruptions. Leading organizations are now rethinking their approach—shifting from efficiency to resilience as a core strategic priority.
This session explores how leading organizations are shifting from efficiency-first to resilience-first supply chain strategies—and how scenario planning transforms uncertainty into strategic advantage. Deloitte and A.P. Møller–Mærsk will share real-world insights, including lessons from Mærsk’s Gemini Cooperation with Hapag-Lloyd, revealing how industry leaders are preparing for disruption, strengthening reliability, and redefining resilience as a driver of long-term value.”
Loyens & Loeff | Investing in EU: From open access to managed entry while maintaining competitiveness
Talking points:
- Legal & Tax Investment Restraints & Opportunities
- Protectionism on the rise: how to navigate in the evolving EU regulatory landscape: tariffs, FDI and merger control? How political will it get?
- Digital Finance: what role for EU corporates? Digital finance is rapidly reshaping how large corporates manage payments, data, and compliance, creating both strategic opportunities and legal and tax challenges.
- Draghi Report, Wennink Report, Dutch Coalition Agreement: Tax incentives and other stimuli to boost competitiveness and innovation.
REGISTRATION
(Kindly note: registration is upon invitation and subject to verification. Foreign investors will have priority. In case you are interested to attend, please email marcel.schulze@eaccnl.eu)
Date
Time
Location
Speakers
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03 Gerben EvertsCEO, European Investors-VEBGerben Everts (1971) has been the Managing Director of the European Investors – VEB since 1 October 2021. Prior to this, he was a board member at the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) for nine years. At the AFM, he was responsible for supervision of stock exchanges, traders, asset managers, accountants, and corporate governance and financial reporting of listed companies. In addition, he had legal affairs and international representation in his portfolio.
Previously, he worked at APG/ABP, the European Commission, the Ministry of Finance, and PricewaterhouseCoopers.
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05 Bart van BolhuisFormer Minister Counselor for Economy, Netherlands Embassy Washinton -
06 Hilde van der MeerCommissioner, Netherlands Foreign Investment agency (NFIA) -
07 Annemarie CosterisGovernment Affairs Director, MicrosoftAnnemarie Costeris has been leading Microsoft’s government and corporate affairs work in The Netherlands since September 2021 focussing on areas such as privacy, technological innovation, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure. She works closely with government ministries, lawmakers and industry partners to advance policies that support innovation, digital resilience and economic growth. She holds an LLM in International Law and International Relations from Utrecht and Nottingham university. Annemarie has extensive experience in government, non-profits, and the private sector, focusing on international business, sustainable energy and human rights.
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08 Robert-Jan RuifrokRobert-Jan Ruifrok, Global Director Public Affairs | APM Terminals (A.P. Møller-Mærsk Group) -
11 Norbert FuhlerFiscal Coordinator, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate -
12 Feyo SickinghePrincipal Regulatory Counsel, Bird & Bird -
13 Lonneke KnipscheerPartner | Consulting – Supply Chain & Network Operations -
14 Harm KerstholtPartner at AKD | Attorney at law | Corporate M&A | Energy sector deals and projects -
15 Martijn SchoonewillePartner, Lawyer, Banking & Finance/Capital Markets -
16 Brian MulierInternational trade & customs lawyer/partner, Bird & Bird -
Guy HendricksHead of Government & Regulatory Affairs Benelux. Huawei