Bruges and The Hague: A Jet-lagged Retrospective

Posted by Johnny Henderson

Safely back in Canada, consolidating our notes and continuing to reflect on our time in Europe, the Trinity One class is now moving into the post-trip segment of our Internationalized Course Module.  “Policy”, “Outreach” and “Logistics” teams have been formed for working on the post-trip aspects of the ICM and, as they will be central to the entire post-trip process, I will give these teams the opportunity to post their own thoughts and goals.  I would like, instead, to begin to discuss some of the people and places we’ve been reflecting on since meeting them in Europe.  Now that the jet-lag is beginning to wear off and I have an abundance of time compared to a week ago, I’d like to record our thoughts on the day trips to Bruges and The Hague.  Needless to say, we’ve all been talking about these places since visiting them and one post by one person cannot do justice to the hours spent reflecting on the wealth of knowledge gained and the unique things each person took away from these experiences.  That being said, I hope to be able to give everyone a glimpse of our time in West Flanders and South Holland.

Bruges, in the West Flanders region of Belgium, is a truly magical city.  As scenes from the British dark comedy film “In Bruges” played in my head, landmarks and streets seemed eerily familiar, but even the thought of Colin Farrell running around Bruges could not distract me from the medieval wonder of the city.  As we walked from the train station to the United Nations University, we passed through the Markt (“Market Square”) and took in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Though we would return to the square in the afternoon and explore the surrounding area in our free time, there was a unique feeling when we first turned the corner and the square opened up to us on that snowy morning: Trinity One had indeed arrived in Europe.  Visiting the United Nations University’s Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS) programme was an amazing experience.  Housed in the Episcopal Seminary of Bruges, the UN’s flag and talk of regional governance and 21st century security concerns seemed out of place.  This could not have been farther from the truth, as we quickly realized we were sitting in the mecca of regional studies with scholars who not only understood their fields, but also knew how to communicate their findings.  UNU-CRIS’ Associate Director, Dr. Philippe de Lombaerde, gave a comprehensive overview of the UNU system and explained the areas of research of the UNU-CRIS programme.  The class thoroughly enjoyed hearing from Dr. Xinning Song, a Senior Research Fellow at UNU-CRIS, who discussed his comparative regional integration research on the European Union and Asia-Pacific region.  Dr. Song discussed the differences between the two regions as they strive towards integration and commented on the sense of a supranationality within Europe that is markedly absent in the Asia-Pacific region.  He also outlined the different components of his comparative research and discussed the evolving nature of the European Union, which got the class thinking about ideas and concepts that would become recurring themes throughout the week.  The class also enjoyed hearing from researchers, including Emmanuel Fanta and Sonja Schroder, about their work within the field of regional studies.  Particular programmes that interested the class were an examination of migration issues in the modern world and euGRASP (EU as a Global-Regional Actor in Security and Peace).  Discussion surrounding euGRASP provided excellent context for our discussions at NATO and the EU regarding the tension between the North Atlantic Alliance and the EU’s desire for autonomy on security issues.  Our day in Bruges was an amazing educational and cultural experience that, as with the trip in its entirety, I am sure none of us will ever forget.

The Hague, the capital of South Holland in the Netherlands and de facto judicial capital of the United Nations, has been an “international city of peace and justice” since the world’s first peace conference in 1899.  Our visits to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and International Criminal Tribunal for the former-Yugoslavia (ICTY) were truly eye-opening experiences.  We were initially wowed by the impressive building and knowledgeable staff of the ICC.  It certainly gave off the appearance of an accomplished international organization (though an interesting individual from the defense side who spoke to us made us begin to question the organization).  The facts speak a different story from the appearance though.  One billion dollars and less than a decade later, the ICC is still only on its first two trials with only 14 total indictments.  (Indictments by no means translate into success and a lack thereof is not an indication of failure, but the expediency and depth of the process is incredibly important.)  An individual with whom we met at the ICTY was quick to point out that, with a similar level of funding, the ICTY has issued 161 indictments, has dealt with a large majority of its cases (only a handful remain on the go) and has only two indictees still at-large (Mladic and Hadzic).  Moreover, while the ICC is only eight years into its never-ending mandate, the ICTY is looking to wind down soon, as it has almost accomplished its goal in its entirety.  The ICC was beginning to look like a paper tiger.  Some might even go so far as to say it’s a bit of a joke – albeit an expensive one.  The value and focus of ad hoc tribunals was becoming obvious to us and after hearing about the successes of the ICTY from individuals involved in both the prosecution and defense, we were excited to finally watch an actual trial: that of Mico Stanisic and Stojan Zupljanin. We watched the prosecution go through documents and historical details with a witness.  While I get the sense some were expecting something more from the legal proceedings (think Law & Order or Boston Legal), it was fascinating to watch the actual legal mechanics of an institution we too often leave as a four-letter abbreviation.  It was remarkable to think that the only thing separating us from the trial and a pair of alleged war criminals was a couple of metres and a few inches of bullet-resistant glass.  Our visits to the ICC and ICTY were incredibly insightful and we learnt so much about two institutions that come up regularly in international relations.

Stay tuned for more from the class members spearheading our policy paper, the group working on outreach, Jake and I regarding a logistics summary, and our thoughts on our visits to the EU and NATO as well.  Thank you to everyone that has been following the blog!

The European Council

Posted by Jane Lee

The European Council is an official institution of the European Union, mentioned by the Lisbon Treaty as a body which “shall provide the Union with the necessary impetus for its development.” The European Council usually meets four times a year and includes the heads of government of EU member states, a President and the President of the EU Commission. Meetings are chaired by the President, a position currently held by Herman Van Rompuy.

The first Councils were held in 1961 in an informal settings of summits comprised of the European Community. These meetings were only formalized in the period between 1974 and 1988. The European Council was distinguished as a formal institution of the EU in the 2009 Treaty of Lisbon.

Though the European Council has no formal legislative power, it deals with major issues and any decisions it makes are “a major impetus in defining the general political guidelines of the European Union”. It outlines the EU’s policy agenda and has also developed further roles including the settlement of “issues outstanding from discussions at a lower level”, leadership in foreign policy, “formal ratification of important documents” and “involvement in the negotiation of the treaty changes.” In addition it exercises the some executive powers which include the appointment of its own President, the President of the European Commission, and the High Representative.

Our class is interested in learning about the European Council because as an institution within the EU, it plays one of the key roles upholding the EU’s structure. With its distinctive power and contributions to the system, the Council provides critical political leadership to the EU. It is important to our understanding of the EU system that we understand its specific branches and their impact on the international society.

To help us learn more about the European Council, we will be meeting with Mr. Alexis Loeber and Mr. Didier Cosse.

Mr. Alexis Loeber

Posted by Alex Ognibene

Mr. Alexis Loeber

Mr. Alexis Loeber is an External Relations Official for the European Commission.  Mr. Loeber currently specializes in EU-Canada Relations, and formerly served as the Head of the Yerevan Office of the European Commission Delegation to Georgia and Armenia.  In addition to working for the European Union, Mr. Loeber was previously a Vice President at the Deutsche Bank, and a Relationship Manager for Euroclear.

In Brussels, Mr. Loeber will be speaking to TRN151 about the political and economic relations between Canada and the European Union.  This talk will hopefully provide us with insight into the strategic importance of strong bilateral relations, and highlight some of the cooperative initiatives that are currently underway.  Some important areas of discussion will undoubtedly include the war in Afghanistan, environmental policy, Canada’s global reputation, and the potential for a Canada-EU free-trade agreement.  It will also be interesting to hear Mr. Loeber’s opinion on how Canada should prioritize the agenda for the G-8 and G-20 Summits that will be hosted in both Toronto and Muskoka, Ontario, this summer.

The European Commission

Posted By Samuel Chan

The European Commission (EC) is the executive branch of the European Union.  It is responsible for proposing legislation, implementing EU policies, enforcing law (along with the Court of Justice) and representing the EU on the international stage.

The commission is composed of 27 members, one from each EU nation.  Known as commissioners, these members forswear their national allegiances, and pledge to act in the interest of the European Union alone.  Every five years, a new commission is appointed, and one of the members is chosen to be the President of the Commission.  The current President is José Manuel Durão Barroso, from Portugal.

The Commission is based in Brussels, Belgium, but also has offices in Luxembourg and representation in all EU member states.  Its working languages are English, French, and German.

Resolving Disputes in the International Community: The Permanent Court of Arbitration

Posted by Jamie Shilton

Established at the First Hague Convention in 1899, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) is a vital tool for dispute resolution. The PCA is not a court in the sense of the International Court of Justice or International Criminal Court, but a permanent framework to support international arbitral tribunals. Currently, 110 countries, including all members of the United Nations Security Council and most other major powers are members of the PCA.

In part due to its age, the PCA has several interesting features that distinguish it from post-WWII institutions. Its Administrative Council, which oversees policies and budgets, is comprised of member states’ diplomatic representatives accredited to the Netherlands and is chaired by the Dutch Minister for Foreign Affairs. The PCA’s budget is paid by member states whose contributions are determined by the Universal Postal Union, one of the few other international organizations existing at the time of the PCA’s founding.

The International Bureau of the PCA is composed of experienced legal and administrative staff from around the world. Its primary responsibility is the provision of legal research, administrative support, linguistic support and financial administration to international tribunals, commissions and other entities.

The Members of the Court are appointed by member states to serve as potential arbitrators. Member states can appoint up to four potential arbitrators. Members of the Court from the same country constitute ‘national groups’ who are entitled to nominate candidates for election to the International Court of Justice and for the Nobel Peace Prize.

The PCA is currently providing administrative support to many tribunals around the world, including those of NAFTA. Much of the work of the PCA has been to resolve territorial disputes. Recently, this has included arbitration between the government of Sudan and domestic rebel groups, between Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados, and between Eritrea and Yemen. The PCA also resolves disputes between corporations and countries. There is very little information about the tribunals themselves as hearings take place under utmost secrecy and very little information is released substantiating the results of arbitration.

The PCA is of interest to our group for two reasons. First, it is the primary supporter and administrator of arbitration as a means of international dispute resolution. Given how many disagreements around the world are settled in this fashion, we should become familiar with the process and its advantages. Second, the PCA is one of the few relevant organizations remaining from a different era of international relations. Despite the fact that it was envisaged long before the end of empire in Europe, it has remained a crucially important agent of the peaceful resolution of conflicts between states and other actors.

Peace and Justice: The International Criminal Court

Posted by Christine Lee

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is the first ever independent, treaty-based international criminal court established to address the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.  The ICC prosecutes the perpetrators of crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. As the “court of last resort,” it is designed to complement existing national judicial systems and thus only tries those accused of the gravest crimes.

The legal foundation of the ICC is the Rome Statute, which was adopted by 120 States at a diplomatic conference in 1998 and entered into force on 1 July 2002. The Statute establishes the ICC’s function and jurisdiction as well as it four major organs: The Presidency, the Judicial Divisions, the Office of the Prosecutor, and the Registry. Under the Statute, the ICC has been able to open investigations in Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic and Darfur.  110 states are currently party to the Statute.

During our visit to the ICC, we will watch a presentation on the Presidency and Chambers and will be briefed by the Prosecutor’s Office. We will also attend a hearing regarding the case of Germain Katanga and Mathieu Ngudjolo Chui, two Congolese militia leaders who have allegedly committed war crimes and crimes against humanity. The visit to the ICC will provide us with an understanding of international humanitarian law and the methods of prosecution under the Rome Statue.

Den Haag: A Cultural Perspective

Posted by Jeff  Tanaka

The stork is very culturally significant in The Hague

The Hague lies approximately 50 kilometers Southwest of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Serving as the seat of the Dutch government, The Hague is home to over 150 international organizations. Furthermore, it houses the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court giving it its nickname as the ‘City of Peace and Justice’. In 1899 The Hague served as the setting for the First Peace Conference, which involved 26 nations and led to the creation of the Permanent Court of Arbitration. Since then many other peace conferences have been held The Hague and it has become the fourth city of the United Nations.

While other posts will cover the structure and significance of the organizations in the Hague, this one will focus on some of the city’s cultural elements.

Located near the coast, The Hague is also home to Scheveningen one of the most popular beaches in the Netherlands. It is on this beach that Flag Day – or Vlaggetjesdag as it is locally known- is celebrated with the arrival of the first herring. The celebration involves the decoration of fishing boats and a variety of children’s games. The importance of herring as a food source is also reflected by the fact that the stork is a symbol of The Hague. These birds were domesticated by the Dutch to clean the remains from fish markets and have since been seen to be harbingers of luck and prosperity.

Aside from herring in all of its forms, another local specialty is the haagse hopje, a coffee flavoured hard candy. It is said that in the 1700s Hendrik Hop kept a cup of coffee by the fire overnight and in the morning it had hardened – he tasted it and it was much to his liking. Speaking with the baker he asked for the candy to be mass produced. Today, the haagse hopje candy still exists and is enjoyed by every Dutch child.

Quick Update!

Hey everyone,

It’s 7:30 here in trip HQ at the hotel and we are almost ready to start a new day in Brussels. Yesterday was an incredible day highlighted for me by our early morning stroll through a picturesque Bruges, a stimulating lecture and discussion at UNU-CRIS, and finally a celebration of Noah’s birthday with waffles in Grand Place to cap it all off. Today we are off to NATO HQ, so we will be devoid of technology for the next little bit but I will try to check back later to post some of the pictures I’ve taken so far. For now, the delicious breakfast at the hotel awaits!

Hope all is well,

Jake

Dr. Philippe De Lombaerde

Posted by Gloria Kim

Dr. Philippe De Lombaerde

Dr. Philippe De Lombaerde has been working as the Associate Director at the Comparative Regional Integration Studies Programme at the United Nations University since the year 2008. He has also been a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Bonn-ZEI since 2007. He was previously a Research Fellow at UNU-CRIS and Associate Professor of International Economics at the Universidad Caional de Colombia. As an economist, he specializes in regional economic integration, international trade, monitoring tools and indicators, comparative regionalism, Latin American regionalism, EU external policy and cross-border micro-regions. He is the co-author of Las empresas multinacionales lationacmericanas and De Benelux: Tijd voor een Wedergeboorte?. He is the editor of countless documents and he frequently publishes journal articles.

Onthaal aan Brugge!

Posted by Claudia Dzierbicki

Located in the northwest of Belgium in the Flemish Region, Bruges is known for its beauty and its historical and contemporary significance. Having gained its city charter on 27 July 1128, it had begun to establish itself as a centre for trade and commerce, which was largely dependant upon its access to the sea. Throughout its history, Bruges had experienced growth and decline in its economy that was largely dependant on the condition of its waterways and sea access, which had at times been prone to silting. In recent history, it has re-established itself as a port city with the construction of the port of Zeebrugge in 1907. Following the port’s expansion in the 1970s and 1980s, Bruges has once again risen in significance and is now known as one of Europe’s most important port cities and was designated the European Capital of Culture in 2002 by the European Union. Its history can also be viewed by observing the numerous medieval architectural sights in the city, most of which can be seen in the historical centre of Bruges, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Some of its marvelous architectural works include the Church of our Lady, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, Saint Salvator’s Cathedral, the Provinciaal Hof and its 13th century belfry (complete with a carillon and full-time carillonneur), just to name a few. Bruges is also home to the world-renowned United Nations University Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS), where we are meeting with the Associate Director of UNU-CRIS, Dr. Philippe De Lombaerde, today. The university is a hub for collaborative research, capacity development and advisory services which it incorporates into its goal of promoting the principles embodied in the Charter of the United Nations, and by contributing extensively to the fields of international relations, development and a wide range of inter-related fields. Bruges is also home to the original campus of the College of Europe, a top postgraduate university for European Studies. With its beauty and history, Bruges is truly a one-of-a-kind city that should be on everyone’s list to visit!