The Netherlands is one of the founding members of the European Union. This dates back to the Netherlands’ role in establishing the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1951, together with Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and Luxembourg.

• The European Commision Representation in The Hague has the following tasks:
• Assisting the President and other Members of the Commission in their contacts with the Netherlands
• Facilitating an ongoing political dialogue with national, regional and local authorities, parliament, social partners, universities, civil society and other stakeholders, for example by preparing and supporting visits by Members and senior officials of the Commission, and sometimes by representatives of the European External Action Service
• Acting as the Commission’s voice in the Netherlands and communicating about the EU with the press and through social media, such as by issuing press releases and providing other media services
• Entering into dialogue with the public, universities, civil society, social partners and other stakeholders, and organising communications, consultations and public information activities about EU priorities and policy, in relation to the Conference on the Future of Europe and other matters
• Gathering knowledge, conducting analyses and drafting recommendations for the Commission on political, economic and social developments in the Netherlands, with a view to political consultations and policymaking in the EU.