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The Beyen lecture 2025 will be given by Mendeltje van Keulen, at Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ on 31 October. The interdisciplinary European Governance Master’s programme organises the Beyen lecture every year. Beyen (1897-1976) was a Dutch politician and diplomat and played an important role in the creation of the European Economic Community.

Programme

16:15-16:30  Walk-in with coffee/tea (Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ School of Governance, in front of room 0.24)

16:30-16:35 Welcome by Femke van Esch, Vice-dean of Education of the Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance 

16:35-17:15 Beyen lecture by Mendeltje van Keulen: " Working on Europe - integrating visions and pragmatism" 

Mendeltje van Keulen is Professor of European Impact at De Haagse Hogeschool. She has been awarded a Jean Monnet Chair in the field of European Digital Policy. In the past she worked as EU-advisor, clerck and head of EU-advisory services at the house of Representatives in the Netherlands. She also writes a column in the ‘Brussels Nieuwe’, called ‘Mail from Brussels’.

Mendeltje effortlessly and engagingly translates her scientific knowledge of how the EU works and her hands-on experience in connecting with European policy into practical tips for professionals.

17:15-17:45 Moderated discussion & Q&A  

17:45-18:45 Drinks (Urecht School of Governance restaurant)

Johan Willem (Wim) Beyen

Johan Willem (Wim) Beyen (1897–1976) was an alumnus from the Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ School of Law. He was a banker, civil servant, politician and diplomat. From 1952 – 1956 he served as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Wim Beyen is regarded  one of the founding fathers of the European Union. In the early fifties, when initiatives to intensify political cooperation and integration between Germany, France, Italy and the Benelux-countries seemed to fail, he developed a plan for a European Common Market in combination with a political community. His initiative formed an import foundation for the Treaties of Rome of 1957 and the development of a European Economic Community.

The lecture is organised with the support of Institutions for Open Societies and the LEG Master European Governance