If you would like to join our expert roundtable, please send an email to bdekker@clingendael.org. The roundtable is on invitation only.

What are the next steps for the Netherlands and EU?

As the trade war between the United States and China evolves into a state of permanent conflict, it is apparent that a defining feature of the deepening geopolitical contest is technology. The contest is on for the leader in the development and (global) use of emerging technologies, and thereby the writing of norms and the rules for their use.

In this context, the (screening of) foreign investments and the question of how to deal with China’s telecom giant Huawei keep hitting the headlines, but few are aware that the issue of export control is equally, if not more, challenging. To protect the technological advance the US still has over China in high-tech industries, the US now seems to intent to use export control as a tool to curb China’s technological rise. When implemented, these regulations will have far-reaching consequences for the Netherlands, home to leading companies in emerging technologies.

Also read our report US-China trade-tech stand-off and op-ed in The Diplomat.

Speakers

During this event, the position of the Netherlands – caught between the US demands and its own vision – and possible paths forward for the EU will be discussed. Tanja Roling (Head Export control and Strategic Goods, Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Eric Vennekens (Global Head of Export Control, ASML) and Stéphane Chardon (Head of Sector, Strategic Export Controls, DG Trade) will share their experiences and views on export control for emerging technologies.

The introductions are followed by a roundtable discussion moderated by Maaike Okano-Heijmans (Senior Research Fellow, the Clingendael Institute).

Programme

14:45 Registration

15:00 State of play: export control and emerging technologies

16:00 The path ahead: potential levels of action and the role of NL/EU

17:00 Closing drinks