Castro also stands for our core values of independence, clarity and cheerfulness in the EU. Unfortunately, we regularly hear that working in Brussels would not be so cheerful at all. Although Castro EU is growing rapidly, the number of Dutch people wanting to work for the European institutions is worryingly low. Only about 595 Dutch people still work at the European Commission, whereas based on our population, there should be over 1,200. In 2016, there were still almost a hundred more, and that while a large group of experienced Dutch officials will retire in the coming years. So the question arises: is working in Brussels really that cheerful?
The reasons we hear for not working in Brussels are almost always the same. Good jobs are there for the taking in the Netherlands, so why move? The image of the EU remains an "overpriced patronizing rule-maker," not as a place where you can make a career. And yes, the work culture in Brussels sometimes requires some adjustment: long days, less part-time, lots of meetings. But what you hear less often is that many of those meetings end with drinks at Place du Luxembourg, where civil servants, lobbyists and politicians mingle as if it were one big company. In fact, behind the meeting rooms is also a close-knit international community, where work and networking are always intertwined.
Yet the lack of Dutch nationals in Brussels is a serious problem. Fewer compatriots means less Dutch input at the beginning of European decision-making. Formally, EU officials work for all member states at the same time, but in practice they take their background and perspective with them. If our interests are included early on, it is much easier to negotiate later. If that input is missing, then as a member state, or as a company, you are often at a disadvantage.
On a continent with 27 countries at the table, if you are not there, let others set the menu. That table is in Brussels, and that is relevant not only for ministries, but especially for businesses. Much legislation implemented in The Hague is designed in Brussels. Those who are visible there are more likely to hear what is coming, can help think about the direction, and sometimes even co-write.
The Netherlands is trying to catch up with an action plan, new admission rounds and a reintroduced scholarship for the College of Europe. But the gap is big, and it takes time to close it. That's why it's smart for organizations that want to protect their interests or seize opportunities to have a presence in Brussels now. That's exactly what Castro EU is doing in Brussels every day: making sure our clients not only know what's going on, but are there at the right time. So that working in Brussels becomes not only useful, but maybe even a little bit joyful.
Meer weten over hoe jouw organisatie zichtbaar en effectief kan zijn in Brussel en Straatsburg? Neem contact op met Roel Yska (roel@castro.lu).