This year’s theme, Autonomy in Connection, explores one of the defining leadership questions of our time: how can Europe strengthen its economic and technological resilience while remaining connected to the international partnerships on which its prosperity depends?
During this exclusive gathering, approximately 200 senior executives, policymakers and public leaders will come together to exchange perspectives on these challenges and the leadership required to navigate them.
At the heart of the evening is an interactive Strategic Dialogue, bringing together leading representatives from government, diplomacy and international business. Together, they will explore how Europe can strengthen its economic and technological resilience without losing sight of the power of international cooperation.
Flevum network
17:30 | Start of program
22:00 | End of program
Language: English
Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin, Noordwijk
Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in the Netherlands
Marcus Micheli is Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in the Netherlands. A career member of the U.S. Senior Foreign Service with the rank of Minister Counselor, he has served in a wide range of senior diplomatic and policy roles across Europe and Washington, D.C. His previous assignments include Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Russian Affairs, Deputy Chief of Mission in Lithuania and Moldova, Consul General in Yekaterinburg, and Director for Central and Eastern European Affairs at the U.S. National Security Council. Throughout his career, he has focused on transatlantic relations, European security, international diplomacy and geopolitical affairs. Mr. Micheli holds master’s degrees from Columbia University and the U.S. Naval War College.
State Councillor in the Advisory Division of the Council of State and former Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (speaking in a personal capacity)
Eric Wiebes has been appointed State Councilor in the Advisory Division of the Council of State, effective February 1, 2026. He specializes in corporate sustainability and the energy transition, advising both private and public organizations on strategy, performance improvement, and feasible, fact-based solutions. Previously, he served as Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, State Secretary for Finance, and Alderman for the City of Amsterdam. Before entering politics, he held positions as Director of Market Regulation and Deputy Secretary-General at the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Eric Wiebes holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Delft University of Technology, as well as an MBA from INSEAD.
Deputy Director-General for Trade and Economic Security at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Yvette van Eechoud is Deputy Director-General for Trade and Economic Security at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. She has held a range of senior leadership positions within the Dutch government, including Director of the Department for the Western Hemisphere at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Director of the European and International Affairs Department at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, and Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the State of Qatar. Throughout her career, she has focused on international trade, economic diplomacy, European affairs and international cooperation. Ms. Van Eechoud holds a master’s degree in European Studies from the University of Amsterdam and the University of Salamanca, specializing in European and international economics and law.
Executive Director
Maurice Geraets is an experienced executive and strategic leader with over 30 years of experience in the technology industry. Since 2017, he serves as Executive Director at NXP Semiconductors Netherlands, where he previously held positions in global business development automotive and corporate strategy. In addition to his role at NXP, Maurice is active as a non-executive director at Nooteboom Trailers and Linssen Yachts, and he holds various board positions at organizations such as VNO-NCW, the RAI association and the AENEAS industry association. His career began in R&D and engineering at BSO-Origin, following a military start as a lieutenant in the Royal Dutch Navy.
This year’s theme, Autonomy in Connection, explores one of the defining leadership questions of our time: how can Europe strengthen its economic and technological resilience while remaining connected to the international partnerships on which its prosperity depends?
As geopolitical tensions rise and technological competition intensifies, governments, businesses and knowledge institutions are increasingly confronted with difficult strategic choices. How can Europe enhance its competitiveness, secure critical value chains and foster innovation, while continuing to benefit from international cooperation and open markets?
During this exclusive gathering, approximately 200 senior executives, policymakers and public leaders will come together to exchange perspectives on these challenges and the leadership required to navigate them.
At the heart of the evening is an interactive Strategic Dialogue, bringing together leading representatives from government, diplomacy and international business. Together, they will explore how Europe can strengthen its economic and technological resilience without losing sight of the power of international cooperation.
The dialogue will feature:
Together, they will bring complementary perspectives from public policy, diplomacy and international business, discussing topics including strategic autonomy, technological innovation, economic security, global value chains and transatlantic cooperation. The audience will be actively involved, creating an interactive exchange of ideas and insights.
