However, given the current situation Europe is faced with both the EU and national governments alike are being challenged in many fronts to overcome different crisis. In relation to this he posed some difficult questions to us such as: ‘Are our banks capable of handling this crisis?’, ‘Are EU Member States able to actually manage their own economic budget? And ‘Should there be an increase of supernational supervision by the EU?’

According to Mr. Kingma, the Netherlands, which is usually recognised as quite pro-Europe, is becoming increasingly opposed to the European Union. This is due to a number of different factors namely plans for a more active European foreign policy, the ‘Euro’ crisis and the lack of trust between states within a newly enlarged Union - all of which has dampened the idea of ‘The European Dream’ in the minds of many Dutch citizens and politicians.

For the future of the EU in the Netherlands, Mr. Kingma feels that Brussels needs to be more transparent, allowing the Dutch people to become more familiar with European processes. European Union studies should be increasingly included in Dutch curriculum encouraging young people to feel more European. To create a sense of European identity is crucial for further success. With reference to the current monetary crisis Mr. Kingma is positive that we can get through this difficult economic phase, but only if countries like the Netherlands are willing to give the EU more competences.

After the speech, Mr. Kingma willingly answered all of our questions on a wide variety of issues from border control to the accession of Turkey which in turn led to a few interesting debates. As a group we enjoyed the whole experience. In the words of Mr. Kingma, ‘Long live the European Union’.

(Pictures Kasia Krasucka. Reporter Aislinn Dwyer)