Trumps Tech & Xi’s AI

• Date: 26 February
• Time: 19:30 - 21:00
• Location: Nieuwspoort

This event takes place in Dutch

Will Europe Survive the New Geopolitical Power Struggle?

The United States and China are locked in a fierce battle for digital dominance — a struggle that now affects everything. From raw materials to the most critical systems in our daily lives. Are we on the verge of becoming completely dependent on the whims of unrestrained tech billionaires and Chinese bureaucrats?

In Trump’s Tech & Xi’s AI, Haroon Sheikh, together with Annette van Soest and Stefan de Vries, explores the major strategic questions facing Europe today. During this evening — featuring a special live edition of Café Europa — they analyse just how much is at stake for Europe. From Nexperia to ASML, and from DigiD to ChatGPT, a power struggle is unfolding across every sector of our economy, with enormous consequences.

What difficult choices must Europe make in order to remain standing? One thing seems certain: change is unavoidable if we want to continue living in freedom and prosperity. How can we prevent Musk, Altman, and the rest of Silicon Valley from undermining our democracy? This evening addresses the issues that should be at the centre of political debate in The Hague and on talk show tables across the country.

Speakers

• Haroon Sheikh – Senior scientist at the Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR) and Professor by Special Appointment of Strategic Governance of Global Technologies at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

• Annette van Soest – Presenter and journalist for, among others, Haagsch College, Follow the Money and HUMAN; and host of the podcast Café Europa.

• Stefan de Vries – Europe correspondent and commentator for various media outlets, including Bar Laat, Eva, and Haagsch College.

Practical information

• Date: Evening of 26 February 2026

• Doors open: 19:00

• Start: 19:30

• End: 21:00

• Tickets:

  • Regular: €19.50 per person

  • Poorters / Nieuwspoort members: €16.50 per person

Chef’s Special
You can enjoy a meal before the event. Order the Chef’s Special (€16.50) in addition to your ticket and you will be welcome in the restaurant from 18:00.
The menu includes spaghetti bolognese with tomato and basil salad, or a vegetarian spaghetti arrabbiata with tomato and basil salad.

This evening is part of The Week of Geopolitics, during which Haagsch College organises several evenings in The Hague focusing on geopolitical issues.

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