"Did you hear that? Jan van Zanen, just finishing the photo opportunity on the Turfmarkt, in The Hague, makes his way through the crowd on his way to City Hall."In that short stretch we just walked, I already heard four different languages. Nice for the interview."

After growing up in Edam-Volendam, the VVD (People's Party for Freedom and Democracy) civil servant has been coming to The Hague for years. He did his military service here, worked at a national employers' association (commuting from Utrecht to The Hague Central Station), and his in-laws lived in the city. He could frequently be found in the centre as chair of the VNG (Asso ciation of Netherlands Municipalities). So, he thought he was familiar with The Hague. However, since becoming mayor in 2020, he has truly realised how international the city is.

Twenty thousand

In his office in city hall, he dives right in, “I live in Scheveningen, near the French school. So I’m always surrounded by French students. I find that enriching. My dream is for people to know The Hague not only for its beautiful, kilometre-long coastline, but also for its great international significance.

Many people work at international organisations: more than 20,000. They contribute 10 per cent to The Hague’s economy. And it’s not just the expats as many people might think. There are also many migrant workers who clean windows, bake tasty pastries and give piano lessons. In total, The Hague has more than 100,000 residents with an international background. They give The Hague colour.”

What makes The Hague such an attractive city for internationals? 

"It starts with relevance in knowledge, people, parliament, embassies, NGOs, the courts, OPCW, Eurojust, Europol. Then you also have the amenities: international schools, shops, dunes. And do you know how green The Hague is? That you have beautiful art nouveau architecture here?

Moreover, culture is a huge carrier for 'feeling at home'. You also see that more and more consideration is being given to an international audience. You notice this in simple things like multilingual websites and signage. The offer is enormous: the Mauritshuis, Nederlands Dans Theater, Amare. All very international.

Major attraction

As is an event such as Jazz in de Gracht. I heard a lot of different languages being spoken around me. Of course, other cities also have a rich offering. What I appreciate: only we have the Noordeinde Palace. Only we have the Binnenhof. That may be a construction site now. But later when it’s finished ...” In a delighted voice, “Then we’ll have a major attraction. One of the oldest parliament buildings in Europe. Just around the corner.”

Do you notice The Hague is also famous abroad? 

“I was recently in Ukraine for a work visit. In a restaurant, a staff member grabbed me by the arm and said, ‘You’re the mayor of The Hague, right? You have to bring Putin to court.’ That highlights how important The Hague is as international city of peace and justice. In 2024, we’re celebrating the 125th anniversary of the First Hague Peace Conference. A century later, The Hague is the global centre for peace and justice. It’s becoming increasingly apparent to me that The Hague is a household name.”

As in any city, newcomers have to find their way. How does the municipality help the knowledge migrants or expats? 

“We just walked past The Hague International Centre on the ground floor of the city hall. It’s a helpdesk for all internationals offering information and advice on the specific services they need, such as international schools, multilingual childcare, language classes and an international GP. With Volunteer The Hague, we encourage volunteering where you don’t have to speak Dutch. A greater connection to the city ensures that talent remains here longer.”

As you just mentioned, international organisations play a significant role in The Hague's economy. A municipal study from 2023 shows that the nearly 500 organisations in the international non-profit sector in The Hague generate almost 2.7 billion euros. But expansion is difficult because the available office space in The Hague is exceptionally low. What international organisations still have a chance of establishing themselves in The Hague?

“Within our international profile, we focus on three economic sectors: law and policy, security and impact. And to start with the last one, The Hague is one of the 100 cities in the EU that wants to become climate neutral. Therefore, you attract innovative companies that focus on renewable energy, like Air Products, which is the world leader in hydrogen. We’re also in talks with various UN institutions that are considering opening an office in The Hague, because it supports their operations and promotes collaboration.

Editor-in-chief Annerieke Simeone in conversation with Mayor Jan van Zanen about The Hague's international impact.

Europol

UN OCHA, the UN office for the coordination of humanitarian affairs, has already opened an office in The Hague. The war in Ukraine is leading to the creation of new organisations, such as the Register of Damage for Ukraine and the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. And there’s even talk internationally about establishing a Ukraine tribunal or tribunal against aggression.

I believe these initiatives fit perfectly in The Hague. Moreover, in this city, decisions are being made for the entire country. If you want to have influence in the Netherlands, it makes sense to be located in The Hague. I was just at Europol, for example, which has existed for 25 years now. They currently have 1,700 staff members, but I expect that to double in the coming years.”

Do they have space for that in the Statenkwartier? 

“Yes, tut-tut. Not so fast. The Hague region is working on that. It’s the wish of the EU. Ursula von der Leyen (President of the European Commission, ed.) recently said that there should be more capacity to fight international crime.”

That is also one of the reasons why Leiden University is starting a new bachelor's degree in cybersecurity & cybercrime here.

“That seems like a very logical choice. What people, including the internationals, appreciate is the rejuvenation of the city: more and more students are coming here. The other day I addressed 800 international students from 40 countries. You can imagine how that affects the atmosphere in the city.” 

Nevertheless, there is some unrest at Leiden University's Campus The Hague. For years, politics urged higher education institutes to attract more international students. Now, with Dutch students at risk of being overshadowed, the government wants to decrease the number of international students. Two new bachelor’s programmes at Campus The Hague are now deliberately taught in Dutch. What do you think of that development?

“I think it’s regrettable, but these are things that happen in parliament. Things tend to go the way they do until the people already living in a country – who can also be internationals, by the way – say: the cinema is getting extremely busy nowadays.”

At the same time, the figures show there is a need for international talent.

“It’s not always easy to find enough staff these days, so many innovative companies are looking for technical talent abroad, such as IT experts and engineers. Large companies and international organisations are so globally oriented that many of their staff already come from abroad.”

Van Zanen takes off his glasses and rubs his eyes. "Not everything can go on forever.We now have a big responsibility for the next 10, 15 years. It has to be gradual; if you don't, the shore will turn the ship. It is a wave motion.

We are now in a time where a lot has to change. Not only physically, but also mentally and in terms of distribution of resources.We have to be mentally flexible.I understand that there are worries about the future now, but we must not let them paralyse us.Don't just think: it should be less this way and it should be less that way. Relax, and there is so much to enjoy and cherish what you have now in this city."

Could you give an example? 

“Well, I especially like that we have so many interesting cuisines here. I knew that The Hague was strong on Indonesian cuisine, but there are so many Asian restaurants. And what you see now are Ukrainians starting their own restaurants or cocktail bars. It’s so wonderful.” 

Expats I talk to sometimes think it’s a shame there is only one Michelin-starred restaurant in The Hague.

“I understand that. Like I said, I’m satisfied with the varied selection, but an extra Michelin-starred restaurant would be welcomed. And look what you have here, the ROC Mondriaan, the Hotelschool. It should be possible.”

Can the municipality assist with that? 

“The municipality can only facilitate. At the same time, we can give ample space to entrepreneurship. Be accessible, streamline permit procedures, for example. And project we are a reliable government. I come from an entrepreneurial family, so I know entrepreneurs can handle anything. No river is too deep. But entrepreneurs and investors don’t like unexpected changes. The way I see it is you don’t have to agree with the municipality, but you should know what they are planning to do.”

Do you have any favourite restaurants? 

“I live in Scheveningen, so I often go to the beach. I like The Fat Mermaid, but also Zarautz. And Hotel Des Indes is lovely. I sometimes have coffee at Sun Sun Coffee on Goudenregenplein. And you know what else is such a nice place? That Korean on Bagijnestraat. 

Do you mean restaurant Seoul Garden? 

“Yes, that’s the one. The daughter of the entrepreneurial couple has released a nice cookbook. It’s here somewhere in my office. Well, I can’t find it straight away. Anyway, if you’re going to eat there, you’ll have to air your suit the next day.”

Because of the barbecue smells and the garlic, right? 

“Yes, I see that as part of the deal because the food is delicious. That’s exactly the advantage of an international city: an abundance of global tastes and experiences.”