Evaluating the EU style of government
In February 2014, as students taking the course on Evaluating Democratic Governance in Europe, we had the opportunity to go on a day trip to the Dutch parliament in The Hague. We spoke to Pieter Omtzigt, politician and member of parliament, about a number of issues, most notably the legitimacy of the European style of government as compared to its Dutch equivalent. Mr Omtzigt was clear in his opinion that the legitimacy of the European Government can often be called into question, and that its transparency needs to increase.
Impressed by the Hague
After this inspiring talk, we went on a tour of the parliament buildings and visited the Handelingenkamer, a beautiful library in one of the historical buildings of the parliament complex. Our parliamentary tour culminated in a visit to the public gallery of the Lower House itself, where a debate on increasing social security spending by €100 million was in full swing.
Afterwards, we were free to enjoy the rest of our time in The Hague as we pleased. Inevitably, some headed for the pub or went shopping, while others took a tram to the seaside at Scheveningen, visited the Escher museum or sampled some of the city’s other cultural highlights. After dinner we piled into the bus back to Enschede, convinced that The Hague is well worth a return visit.
