On Monday 6 November the Matra conference titled Thirty Years of Dutch Support for Societal Transformation in Eastern Europe took place at the Clingendael Institute.

The conference reflected on the three-decade legacy of the Dutch Matra Programme – a source of support for both current and potential EU candidate countries and the countries of the Eastern Partnership.

It was an insightful day featuring a keynote speech by outgoing Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Hanke Bruins Slot, panels and breakout sessions with policymakers and experts from across Europe and the Netherlands.

Matra supports (potential) EU candidate countries and the countries of the Eastern Partnership on democratisation and the Rule of Law. It was launched just after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Outgoing Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Hanke Bruins Slot delivers her keynote speech.

Panel with (from left to right): Joeri Buhrer Tavanier (Acting Executive Director at the Netherlands Helsinki Committee), Tanya Mihaylova (Director at Bulgarian Diplomatic Institute), Beti Jacheva (Ambassador of the Republic of North Macedonia to the Netherlands), Rene Miko (Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Netherlands), and moderator Ron Ton (Director at the Clingendael Academy).

Director at the Clingendael Academy Ron Ton addresses the audience.