Reflecting on EU policy by thinking out of the box - Main contents

How can the Netherlands ensure that informal ministerial meetings held during its EU Presidency deliver? By taking an innovative approach that creates space for new perspectives. The same applies to European Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), even at meetings not actually chaired by the Netherlands.

Federica Mogherini at the Gymnich

The Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) differs from other Council configurations as the holder of the EU Presidency - currently the Netherlands - does not determine the agenda, nor does it chair the meetings. That’s the job of Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Holders of the EU Presidency do however host the Council’s informal meetings, known as ‘Gymnich’ (named after the German castle where the first meeting was held in 1974).

National Maritime Museum

On 5 February foreign minister Bert Koenders welcomed his EU colleagues to the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam. Martijn Adelaar and Heleen Baartmans from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs worked behind the scenes to help prepare for the meeting.

Film fragments

The programme included a joint lunch for the Ministers of Defence and Ministers of Foreign Affairs, and an exercise in responding to different scenarios based on a fictional script.

‘The ministers were shown three film fragments depicting a developing crisis in a non-existent country,’ Martijn said. ‘Following parliamentary elections, a number of political parties become involved in a violent conflict with each other, fighting to gain power. The situation deteriorates and starts affecting EU interests. For example, there is an increase in the number of migrants coming to Europe, attacks on European businesses based in the country and a terrorist attack is more likely.

‘After each fragment the ministers discussed several propositions, to determine how the EU should respond to the situation. Which instruments should we use? And when? Should we send the troops in, or try to find a diplomatic solution?’

Creative discussion

The scenario may have been fictional, but the instruments are real. As host, Mr Koenders wanted to stimulate open discussion with colleagues, breaking the pattern of the monthly ministerial Council meetings held in Brussels.

Out of your comfort zone

‘The Netherlands used a similar exercise during the Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague in 2014,’ Heleen said. ‘The aim was to tempt the ministers out of their comfort zone. Gymnich is special because of its informal character. The ideal opportunity to think out of the box.

‘We wanted to revive the “feet on the table” atmosphere associated with Gymnich. To encourage participants to take the time to look past the issues of the day. In the end, the ministers agreed that the EU had to act, but they had different ideas about the exact form this action should take.’

Positive responses

‘After the meeting we had positive feedback from the ministers who attended. High Representative Mogherini, who acted as moderator for the exercise and was involved in preparations for it, referred to it later at the regular Foreign Affairs Council meeting.’