26 February 2025

In the lead-up to the NATO Summit in The Hague in June 2025, Leiden University, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Young Atlantic Association, is organising an exclusive North Atlantic Council (NAC) Crisis Simulation.

During this serious game, you will step into the shoes of a representative of a NATO member state and take part in a simulated NAC meeting. Alongside fellow students, you will negotiate and respond to a rapidly escalating crisis, which could even trigger an Article 5 scenario. The simulation will take place on 5 June 2025 at Leiden University’s The Hague Campus and will be supervised by Professor Dr Frans Osinga, Dr Ernst Dijxhoorn, Dr Niels van Willigen, military experts, and members of the Permanent Representation to NATO.

Essay competition: Write about the future of NATO

Would you like to take part in this unique simulation? Students from all higher education institutions in the Netherlands are eligible to apply through an essay competition.

🔹 Topic: The Future of NATO
🔹 Language: English
🔹 Length: Max. 2,500 words
🔹 Deadline: 25 March 2025
🔹 Submission: Send your essay, along with your name, email address, study programme, and year of study, to NATOseriousgame@fgga.leidenuniv.nl.

The 15 best essays will earn their writers an exclusive spot in the NAC Crisis Simulation on 5 June 2025. In addition, the top essay will be published in Atlantic Perspective, the journal of the Atlantic Association.

Additional prizes for the winners:

•  An invitation to the Atlantic Assembly, the annual event of the Young Atlantic Association on 12 April 2025.
•  Participation in a Public Event on the sidelines of the NATO Summit at the World Forum.

This is a unique opportunity to develop your negotiation skills, gain insight into international security challenges, and connect with experts in diplomacy and defence.

Join now and share your vision on the future of NATO!