What has SNBN achieved in 2024?
- SNBN
- Feb 6
- 2 min read
As a board, we look back on 2024 with mixed feelings. The Netherlands has a new government—perhaps more accurately, a new political reality. This new political reality poses challenges for the interests of us, Dutch citizens abroad. This is not only because the political wind is changing, but also because there's little stability in the new government—making it difficult for advocacy organizations to do their work effectively.
But still: we're doing it! Thanks to a team of volunteers spread throughout the organization, including Regional Representatives, Coordinators, Board Members, Committee Members, and of course, followers and donors, the SNBN has once again managed to remain visible this year, both in front of and behind the scenes. We are incredibly grateful to everyone for that!
The Dutch People Abroad Foundation also looks back with due pride on what we achieved in 2024. For example, we:
Webinars organised on the European Parliament elections and student financing;
A new fundraising committee has been established (thanks Erica!);
Three new board members (members of PvdA, GroenLinks and NSC respectively);
A new Flag for the Dutch outside the Netherlands has been chosen (it will be unveiled on January 15; see more info below);
We actively intervened in the much-maligned passport surge, both behind the scenes and through a public inquiry (thanks to the committee!);
On September 5, the very first Day of the Dutch People Outside the Netherlands was proclaimed in Nieuwspoort, The Hague (this will have a long tail);
Reviving the discussion about dual nationality among the VVD and NSC parties (thanks, Uli!) – this issue is currently ongoing behind the scenes, and we are monitoring it closely; as soon as sufficient steps are made to be announced, we will post them in the newsletter.
Finally, I'd like to close this retrospective with a special thank you to two of the very first board members who left the SNBN this year after many years of loyal service: Carole Overmaat and Bas Dubbeldam. We are deeply grateful to these fellow pioneers for all their great ideas, time, and wonderful collaboration!
Several new plans and committees are already in the works for 2025 – stay tuned!
A very happy, healthy and prosperous new year,
Eelco Keij, Chairman of the Foundation of Dutch People Abroad