The event brought together experts from three Dutch universities, including Pola Cebulak (VU Amsterdam), Pieter de Wilde (University of Groningen), and ACES Academic Directors Theresa Kuhn and Brian Burgoon. Joined by affiliates, participants exchanged insights on how Dutch universities can effectively research, teach, and debate European and EU-related issues. A key focus was on fostering interdisciplinary approaches to address the pressing challenges faced by Europe at large and Dutch universities specifically.

In the second part of the event, attention shifted to the future of ACES Theme Groups. Lively discussions explored strategies for strengthening existing themes and identifying new areas of focus for the next four years, ensuring ACES remains at the forefront of interdisciplinary research on Europe.