A prestigious American university is eyeing The Hague for a potential European campus, and Donald Trump’s presidency might be the push they need to make it happen.
The city announced this week that it’s in discussions with a renowned US university about opening a branch in The Hague.
However, officials are keeping tight-lipped about which institution is involved.
Is it one of the Ivy Leagues? The suspense is killing us.
Could we have a reason to thank Trump?
According to AD, the timing is no coincidence. Trump’s return to the White House has rattled American academia, particularly his plans to slash scientific research funding.
The president has clashed with several top universities, including Harvard, over their research priorities and budgets.
The EU has already extended an open invitation to American researchers: pack your microscopes and come to Europe. Now, The Hague wants to be their landing pad.
Why The Hague makes sense for an American university
The city isn’t exactly lacking in international credentials. The Hague is already home to 160 international organisations, from the International Criminal Court to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
Add in Leiden University’s Campus The Hague and you’ve got a city that’s practically built for global academic collaboration.
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While this would be the first major American university presence in the Netherlands, it wouldn’t be entirely unprecedented.
UCLA already operates a small human rights and justice institute called Promise Europe in the city, which opened in 2023.
The Hague also revealed it has “leads” for attracting other international organisations and NGOs, suggesting this could be part of a broader expansion of The Hague’s already considerable international footprint.
The Hague’s international reputation is paying off
This isn’t just wishful thinking on the city’s part.
In September, The Hague reported that an “unparalleled number” of institutions are interested in setting up shop there, while three major European organisations already based in the city are planning significant expansions.
The successful NATO summit in June also boosted the city’s profile as a global meeting place. Now, there’s talk of The Hague playing a larger role in the World Bank’s rule-of-law programme.
The city hasn’t revealed a timeline for when we might learn which university is considering the move, or whether it’ll actually happen.
Which American university do you think is eyeing The Hague? Drop your predictions in the comments.
Harvard