Because 9 May is Europe Day, Minister Kaag spoke about Europe’s importance to the Netherlands and to the Dutch economy. She delivered her speech after an introduction by Economics and Business dean Roel Beetsma, and often directed questions to her audience in the nearly full auditorium. The audience could then ask her several questions, moderated by Massimo Giuliodori, Director of the Graduate School of Economics.

This kind of interaction was an essential part of the interactive programme. For example, the evening opened with four separate Q&A sessions, in which students could question alumni who work in different fields. The goal was to show students possible careers.

ASE NEXT! is an annual event for students, alumni and staff of the Amsterdam School of Economics. What started in 2015 as a gezellige gathering for alumni, is now an event where current and former students share knowledge, a prominent keynote speaker explores a current topic, and old and new ties are strengthened and formed. This seventh edition is the first one on location since 2020.

ASE NEXT! 2023 was a collaborative effort between the Amsterdam School of Economics, the EB Career Centre, the EB Events team, and study associations VSAE and Sefa.