Dear Room for Discussion community,

After a busy last month with the Dutch election series, November is also shaping up to be a month with a full and exciting program.

We have a diverse range of guests being interviewed, including historians, politicians and business leaders. Keep an eye on our website and social media, for a continually updated overview of our full line-up and details. As always at Room for Discussion, students will have the opportunity to ask their questions directly during the conversation.

Considering this packed schedule, November promises to be a month filled with timely and thought-provoking discussions.

Upcoming interviews - What do we have in store for November?

Marnix van Rij, Former State Secretary of Finances of the Netherlands

November 19th, 13:00-14:00, RfD Stage

Join us for an exclusive interview with Marnix van Rij, former State Secretary of Finance and newly appointed Deputy Executive Director at the IMF. With decades of experience in both the private and public sectors, van Rij has stood at the crossroads of politics, fiscal reform, and global finance.

We’ll discuss his time steering the Dutch Tax Administration through turbulent years, the challenges of restoring trust after the benefits scandal, and his vision for fair taxation in an increasingly globalized economy. What lessons does the Netherlands offer the world — and what awaits him in Washington?

Freek Janmaat- European Commission Representation in the Netherlands

November 26th, 13:00-14:00, RfD Stage

How much control does the European Union really have over the economic policies of its member states? And how does the Netherlands fit into this evolving landscape of fiscal rules, recovery funds, and green investments?

Join us for an in-depth interview with Freek Janmaat, Economic Advisor at the European Commission Representation in the Netherlands. With years of experience in EU economic governance and enlargement policy, Janmaat offers a unique insider’s perspective on how European and national priorities intertwine — from the European Semester and Recovery and Resilience Facility to the next generation of fiscal reforms.

As Europe faces mounting challenges — from inflation and public debt to the twin transitions of sustainability and digitalization — Janmaat helps us unpack how Brussels seeks to balance discipline with ambition.

David van Reybrouck - Cultural Historian and Author

November 27th, 13:00-14:00, RfD Stage

Join us for an in-depth conversation with David van Reybrouck, one of Europe’s leading cultural historians and public intellectuals. Known for his acclaimed works Congo: The Epic History of a People and Against Elections: The Case for Democracy, van Reybrouck combines the precision of a historian with the moral urgency of a storyteller.

In his writing, he explores the deep entanglements between history, memory, and power — from the colonial past that shaped modern Africa to the democratic fatigue troubling Europe today.

At a time when the future of democracy and the fate of the planet are under intense pressure, van Reybrouck challenges us to imagine new forms of collective agency and responsibility. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with one of today’s most original and humane voices at the intersection of history and politics!

Past interviews - What Happened in October?

Election series: Jimmy Dijk - Leader SP (Socialist Party)

On October 29, the Netherlands headed to the polls – including the 30,000 eligible UvA students. That’s why Room for Discussion hosted an election series featuring the leaders of the country’s major parties. We kicked off on October 6 with Jimmy Dijk, leader of the Socialist Party (SP).

In light of the elections, this interview focused on the SP’s priorities: affordable housing, European cooperation, and the party’s stance on security. Will the SP manage to govern for the very first time?

This interview is in Dutch.

Anahit Galtsyan - Principal Scientist at BASF

Watch as we welcome Anahit Galtsyan, a Principal Scientist at BASF, to the Room for Discussion stage. Her work brings together the science of genomics with the realities of innovation in a global company, offering a unique perspective on how research develops in practice and how the people behind the science shape its direction.

In this interview, we explored the role of diversity in scientific progress and discussed the opportunities and obstacles facing researchers today. The conversation touched on the broader dynamics of STEM and academia, from the ways institutions foster knowledge creation to the challenges that can stand in the way of inclusion and collaboration.

You can find this interview on our YouTube and website shortly.

Election series: Rob Jetten - Leader D66

Rob Jetten has come a long way—from eager young MP to seasoned politician steering through one of the most turbulent moments in Dutch politics. How does D66 manage to hold the middle ground between political extremes, even after events like the vandalism of its headquarters, while still promoting optimism under the slogan “It can be done”?

In this conversation, we dive into D66’s priorities: education as its flagship theme, urgent housing shortages facing students, and Jetten’s push to keep ambitious climate goals on track despite competing pressures like migration and geopolitics. We’ll discuss immigration, defence spending, and scholarships for refugee students—key questions about how D66 seeks to balance costly domestic ambitions with an active, principled role abroad.

This interview is in Dutch.

Election series: Ines Kostić -  Number 2 PvdD (Party for the Animals)

Ines Kostić’s story is one of resilience and principle. Fleeing the Bosnian War as a child, they grew up in the Netherlands and went on to become the first non-binary member of the Dutch House of Representatives. Today, as MP for the Party for the Animals (PvdD), Kostić speaks out on issues ranging from the environment and agriculture to housing, healthcare, and education.

In this interview, we explore how the PvdD positions itself in Dutch politics—pushing for ambitious climate and nature commitments, questioning the government on conspiracy theories, and even working across party lines to improve animal welfare. We also discuss pressing student concerns such as affordable housing, as well as Kostić’s broader vision for a just and sustainable society.

This interview is in Dutch.

Pieter Hasekamp - Director Centraal Planbureau (CPB)

How will the EU be able to tackle drastically increased defence spending, while also kickstarting growth and not running into another sovereign debt crisis? Why are most people so hesitant about giving opinions on the economy, and how can we improve that understanding? What consequences will the election programs of political parties have on the Dutch economy?

Joining us to shed some light on these questions is Pieter Hasekamp, director of the Dutch Centraal Planbureau and the European Fiscal Board, as well as a crown-appointed member of the Sociaal-Economichse Raad. We discussed how Europe can tackle a new economic climate of sluggish growth paired with escalating debt levels, why understanding the economy is so valuable and how economic advisors can avoid partisanship in their analysis of elections.

Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation with one of the most influential voices in European macroeconomic policy analysis!

You can find this interview on our YouTube and website shortly.

Election series: Esmah Lahlah - Number 2 Groenlinks-PvdA

From her work in Tilburg’s social domain to her role as number 2 on the GroenLinks-PvdA list, Esmah Lahlah has built a reputation for combining empathy with decisive action. Her career reflects a deep commitment to tackling inequality and strengthening social cohesion.

In this interview, we explore how her background in local governance informs GroenLinks-PvdA’s broader vision for the Netherlands. What does the party propose in the face of growing inequality, climate urgency, and the need for affordable housing?

We also look at how GroenLinks-PvdA aims to inspire confidence as it seeks to govern, and how Lahlah’s perspective shapes the coalition between social-democratic and green politics.

This interview is in Dutch.

Election series: Eddy van Hijum - NSC Party Leader and former Minister of Social Affairs

Eddy van Hijum has moved from the ministries of The Hague to the leadership of a new political force. As head of the NSC, he represents a party that promises to restore trust and responsibility in Dutch politics.

In this conversation, we discuss how a centrist movement positions itself between polarized camps, and what role the NSC sees for itself in reshaping the political landscape. What lessons from van Hijum’s experience as Minister of Social Affairs guide him in leading a new party?

The discussion focuses on the challenges of bridging divides, renewing institutions, and addressing the frustrations that have given rise to the NSC’s rapid rise.

This interview is in Dutch.

Kyrylo Lapko - Head of Reintegration Department Ukraine

Even in the midst of war, Ukraine faces the enormous task of preparing for recovery and reintegration. As Head of the Reintegration Department, Kyrylo Lapko works at the center of these efforts, overseeing displaced communities and post-war planning.

In this interview, we explore what reintegration means under conditions of ongoing conflict. How is Ukraine balancing the immediate demands of war with long-term ambitions for reconstruction and social cohesion?

We also discuss the role of international partners in Ukraine’s future, and how recovery planning connects to broader questions of sovereignty and resilience.

You can find this interview on our YouTube and website shortly.

Femke Halsema - Mayor of Amsterdam

As mayor of Amsterdam, Femke Halsema stands at the intersection of politics, governance, and urban life. Leading the Netherlands’ capital city means navigating challenges that are both deeply local and nationally significant.

In this conversation, we look at the major themes shaping Amsterdam today: housing shortages, safety in the city, and the role of culture and diversity in urban policy. How do these local challenges resonate with broader national debates?

We also explore how Amsterdam’s approach to sustainability, inclusion, and governance reflects the city’s place as both a Dutch capital and an international hub.

You can find this interview on our YouTube and website shortly.

Eelco Heinen - Minister of Finance of the Netherlands

November 10th, 13:00-14:00, RfD stage

On November 10th, Room for Discussion welcomes Eelco Heinen, Minister of Finance of the Netherlands, for a conversation on fiscal prudence, European integration, and the politics of restraint.

With defence costs rising, growth slowing, and the green transition underway, the debate on how Europe spends or saves has never been more urgent. Should the EU expand joint borrowing to meet global challenges, or double down on national discipline?

We’ll ask where prudence ends and under-investment begins, and how the Netherlands can remain competitive while holding firm to its frugal ideals.

You can find this interview on our YouTube and website shortly.

We are looking forward to seeing you at our events this November. Until then, stay engaged and stay interested!

Sincerely,

The Room for Discussion Team

Creators of this months newsletter:

Writers: Gabe Wielinga & Einar E. Ottosson

Marketing officers: Marija Butenyte & Hunter Hong