Ambassadors at FSS: The way the Czech Republic helps Ukrainian refugees is admirable, says Dutch ambassador

He has been working in international politics for more than twenty years. The latest topics he dealt with before coming to Prague was migration. A topic which is very relevant today considering what is happening in Ukraine. Daan Feddo Huisinga, the Dutch ambassador to the Czech Republic, visited the Faculty of Social Studies last week. As a part of the course How do they see us? The Czech Republic and its European partners, he gave a lecture to the students of the Department of International Relations and European Studies. “I wanted to show the students that the Czech Republic and the Netherlands have a lot in common and that we should use this to build a better Europe. I also tried to explain that diplomacy remains to be the key field for international relations,” said the ambassador.

You often mention Václav Havel and his foreign policy. Why do you think his legacy is so relevant today?

I think it is a great label for your country’s profile. It shows what you stand for, what is your sense of purpose. Havel’s foreign policy has got a great connotation, also far beyond your borders. He was an incredible unifier and there has not been anyone like him since, so why not use it? The support of human rights, democracy and similar values is exactly what both our countries stand for.

How would you evaluate the Czech-Dutch relations?

In general, it is a very warm and friendly relation. The Netherlands and the Czech Republic share a lot of similarities. However, we are still a little unknown to each other because in the past, there were times such as the Nazi era and Communism when we had little interaction. Since 1989, the relationship has of course gotten a lot better, but I still think it could be more intensive, like it was for example during the accession-process to the European Union.

What are the particular steps to be taken in order to deepen our relationship?

In the European Union, it is very important to build coalitions because a lot of times, the decision-making process requires a simple or qualified majority. It is just necessary to get friends together for a common cause. And in my opinion, we share a lot of similar views, whether it is the promotion of the internal market and free trade, avoiding big government and red tape or maintaining strong trans-Atlantic ties through NATO and otherwise.

You have been in Prague as the ambassador since August 2021, what are the big questions that you have dealt with so far?

These past few years, we have seen rule of law backsliding in several Member States in Central Europe, in particular in Hungary and Poland. This was never in the scenario’s and the EU and its Member States lack the instruments to effectively counter this. Before the autumn elections there were also some concerns about the rule of law in the Czech Republic, e.g. regarding media ownership and conflicts of interest. However, the new government is addressing these issues and for now it is no longer a cause for concern. Also more in general the Czech Republic is back where it should be, in the political center of the EU, taking ownership of EU decision-making.

What is your view on the current situation in Ukraine?

We are on the same page with the Czech Republic. There is not a single argument which could justify what Russia is doing. It is an unprovoked war, an invasion. Ukrainians are extremely courageous and even though our countries cannot actively participate in the war, we will continue to help Ukraine defend itself by providing humanitarian aid, finances and weapons. When dealing with migration, we have to find balance between responsibility and solidarity

For four years, you have been the Deputy Director-General for International Migration Management at the Ministry of Justice and Security in The Hague. What is your view on the current migration wave coming from Ukraine and how should Europe deal with it?

I think what Poland and the Czech Republic are doing is admirable. I am very grateful for what has been done here. Refugees are being received efficiently and well. I have been to the Congress Center in Prague and seen that it really is an incredibly efficient operation. Loads and loads of volunteers are there helping, which is great. The question is whether we should use this to fast-forward the reform of the European asylum system.

So the solution to the issue of migration should be more structural?

The current situation is of course unique and for now it is pretty much managed as a one-off thing, but I would prefer a more structural solution that would be long term. We have to get a firmer grip on migration and asylum movements and find the balance between responsibility and solidarity. Taking responsibility by improving migration and asylum management should not lead to extra burdens. That is not just unsustainable but would actually be a disincentive. Therefore, taking responsibility should be rewarded with burden sharing by member states.The conviction of war criminals by the International Criminal Court will be complicated

How will the post-war relations with Russia differ from the pre-war ones?

It is too early for a definite position, but of course we cannot go back to how it was. Russia has crossed certain lines and the relationship will surely be totally different. Maybe there will be negotiations at some point, hopefully there will be a peaceful settlement. Nevertheless, there are credible reports indicating that war crimes have been committed and these have to be carefully looked into, punishing the ones who are responsible.

Do you think that it will be possible to convict the war criminals, including Putin?

This is very complicated. You have to prove that the crimes were approved to be committed, that structural consent was given, and that is very difficult. The International Criminal Court and others are looking into this. The evidence as reported through the media is extensive and seems to indicate that war crimes were indeed committed on a large scale. But still, proper procedures should be followed so we do not jump into conclusions. How it will all end, though, we will have to see.