Social programme

The Welcome Reception will be held in the Hall of the Knights from 18.00 until 20.00. Thom de Graaf, Vice-President of the Council of State, will deliver a welcome speech. The Hall of the Knights is one of the oldest buildings in The Hague and located in the centre of the Inner Court. It is also the location where King Willem Alexander delivers his speech on Prince’s Day, marking the start of each parliamentary year. Guests will be treated to small cold and warm dishes.

Dress code: Tenue de Ville
The transfer is a 10 minute walk from the congress venue

This evening is organised by the Young European Lawyers Society (YEL), but all FIDE participants are welcome. YEL is an organisation made up of young Europeans from all walks of life who are eager to shape their future. YEL wants to see the innovative ideas of our generation welcomed, heard, supported, debated and implemented. Pulchri Studio is an artists’ association and gallery that has been founded in 1847 and located in the historic city centre of The Hague. Pulchri Studio strives to be a meeting place where ideas are born and showcased, art is traded, acquaintances are made and friendships are forged. On average there are 60 different exhibitions per year. Guests will receive tokens for 2 drinks and snacks. There will be buffets where guests may buy small dishes.

Opening speeches by:
Marc van der Woude, President of the General Court of the European Union
Alexander Kornezov, Judge at the General Court of the European Union

Dress code: Smart Casual
The transfer is a 10 minute walk from the congress venue.

On the final evening, there will be a walking dinner at the Kunstmuseum. Jan van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague and Tom de Bruijn, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation will give a speech during the dinner. With 160,000 works of art, the Kunstmuseum is one of Europe’s biggest art museums. It has a leading collection of modern and contemporary art, fashion and decorative arts. It is also the international home of Piet Mondrian, with no fewer than 300 works by the famous Dutch artist in its collection. Participants will enjoy a live performance and have the opportunity to join a tour to one of the Exhibitions.

Dress code: Cocktail
There will be a transfer by bus from the New Babylon to the Kunstmuseum. Bus transport will also bring participants back to the New Babylon after the event (buses start departing at 21.45). Please wear your face mask in the bus.