WELCOME TO EUROPEAN HORIZONS' LEIDEN CHAPTER
European Horizons Leiden Chapter, part of the global European Horizons network, fosters transatlantic dialogue through education, publishing, and events. We provide students a platform for discussion, research, and skill application beyond the classroom. Since our founding in April 2024, we have rapidly expanded, hosting high-profile events, including a NATO Summit simulation in April 2025.
OUR 3 PILLARS:
Education
We offer students a platform to deepen their understanding of transatlantic relations, democracy, and US and EU affairs through workshops, discussions, and guest lectures.
Publishing
We provide opportunities for students to publish their work on European and transatlantic issues through access to our academic journal: The Review of European and Transatlantic Affairs.
Connectivity
We foster transatlantic bonds by connecting students with professionals, policymakers, and peers with similar interests and experience.
Meet the Team
Jonas Røn
President
Serving as the primary leader and coordinator of the organization, Jonas ensures smooth operations and the achievement of strategic goals. His role involves oversight of all board positions, communication with stakeholders, representation of the foundation, and ensuring the complete organization of activities
Sophia Moser
Vice - President
As Vice-President, Sophia supports the President in all aspects of leadership and organization, ensuring smooth operations across the board. This includes assisting with meeting logistics, coordinating with other board members, cross-checking finances, and stepping in to help with planning and oversight as needed.
Sander Versteijnen
Head of Events
As one of our two heads of events, alongside Alexandre, Sander works to host exciting events that are social, engaging, and educational, delivering a positive experience to every event attendee.
Alexandre Masson
Head of Events
As one of our two heads of events, alongside Sander, Alexandre organizes events ranging from institutional visits and panels to international trips and collaborations. Bringing every event to life, he ensures an enjoyable and educational experience that contributes to transatlantic dialogue, making certain that students get the most from their membership!
Gidi Brandes
Head of Academics
As Head of Academics, Gidi works diligently to strengthen European Horizons’ research and provide more opportunities for debate and collaboration. He ensures that students and young people have a voice in shaping today’s most pressing issues by furthering European Horizons’ mission of offering a platform to help students develop skills, share ideas, and participate in meaningful policy discussion.
Harrison Velentzas
Head of Public Relations
As Head of Public Relations, Harrison is responsible for managing European Horizons’ public outreach to best promote opportunities to prospective and current members, while making the chapter’s ethos apparent to potential partners. In addition to outreach he is responsible for professionally photographing chapter events so that members and event partners can share their experiences.
Our Founding Board
European Horizons' Leiden Chapter was founded in April of 2024.
The founding board members consist of:
Helena Klapwijk - President
Nestor Olsommer - Vice-President
Jonas Røn - Treasurer
Enzo Fong - Secretary
Susanna Koppe - Head of Internal and External Relations
Noa-Lynn Gilliaert - Head of Events and Public Relations
Stefan Bojilov - Head of Academics
About Us:
How We Came to Be
At European Horizons Leiden Foundation, we saw gaps in our university’s education platform that left students wanting more. As a founding board, we were disappointed that our academic papers disappeared after grading, leaving no space to explore publishing procedures or showcase student research. So, we created a publishing platform to help students engage with the publishing process and give their work a lasting impact.
Beyond that, we felt that hands-on education outside the classroom was missing. Most student associations were tied to specific programs, unintentionally excluding students from other disciplines. We wanted to change that. Whether you study the sciences or humanities, if you’re interested in international relations, you should have a place to learn and engage.
We also noticed divides between bachelor’s and master’s students, as well as between different academic programs. Our goal was to bridge these gaps, building a network where students at all levels could connect, learn, and grow, united by their passion for transatlantic relations.
Seeing these missing opportunities, we took matters into our own hands. We believe that the future is shaped by the youth of today, and that European Horizons Leiden Foundation is a crucial platform to help students learn, publish, and connect in ways that traditional education does not offer.