The Board

Thomas van der Valk – Founder and Chair

The European Union deserves a more optimistic debate. I founded the Shaping Europe platform to offer a place for those who want to contribute to a better Europe with constructive ideas. As Chair I work to build-out and represent Shaping Europe. I graduated in political science and European law. I currently work at a big tech firm, previously I’ve worked in the European Parliament in Brussels.

• Interests: Rule of law, Green Deal, Euro, Digital
• Email: info@shapingeurope.eu
• X: @ThmsvdVlk

Daniel Niekel – Secretary and treasurer 

In today’s information-driven landscape, accessible and factual information on the European Union and its policies is incredibly important. I’ve joined Shaping Europe to support a platform committed to providing such information freely to all. As Secretary of the board, I work on internal organizational processes. Currently I’m based in Cotonou, Benin, where I contribute to development cooperation projects.

• Expertise: Foreign Policy, Financial and budgetary policy, trade and development cooperation
• Email: info@shapingeurope.eu
• LinkedIn: Daniel Niekel

Loes ter Horst – Chief Editor

With my passion for area studies and writing, I have come to the perfect place at Shaping Europe not only to report more but also to learn more about Europe/EU, its challenges, complexities, and affairs. As a chief editor, I aim to encourage publishing engaging articles about lesser-known European topics, and I also love writing those articles myself. After completing my master’s in Crisis and Security Management (Leiden University) and Middle Eastern Studies (University of Amsterdam), I am now a starter in the job market.

• Interests: SWANA Region, Crisis Management,  South East Asia,  Tourism, Scandinavia
• LinkedIn: Loes ter Horst

Anoek Zijderveld – European Elections Project Coordinator

Elections are fascinating to me, which is why I chose to lead the European parliamentary elections project for Shaping Europe. I currently work as a consultant in the public sector where I advise on complex change programmes. I have an MA in International Relations, specialising in Global Political Economy and a BSc in Political Science.

• Interests: EU-Africa Relations, Elections, Feminism in policy, Digitalisation
• LinkedIn: Anoek Zijderveld

Yannick Schimmel – Event Coordinator

The European Union has always fascinated me, and the big and diverse challenges Europe currently faces only increase the importance of active and informed discussions about its role, shape and future. This is why I strongly believe in the importance of making the EU more `visible’. By creating content and organizing events, I aim to make my contribution to this goal. I have a master’s degree in European Integration and Global Studies from CIFE, and am currently following a MSC in Cybersecurity Governance.

• Interests: European external action, diplomacy, technology-security nexus, geopolitical analyses
• LinkedIn: Yannick Schimmel

The Editorial Team

Sabine Herder – Vice Chief Editor and Editor

The EU plays an important role in tackling many complex issues. I want to contribute to Shaping Europe by writing about the lesser-known background of many of these issues and informing people about topics that rarely reach the news. I have obtained an MSc in Crisis and Security Management at Leiden University and an MA in European Policy at the University of Amsterdam.

• Interests: External relations, Intelligence and Security, Political History, Climate Policy
• LinkedIn: Sabine Herder

Hanna Krijgsman van Spangenberg – Editor 

I like to analyse (the political history of) European integration and reflect on current EU affairs. As a member of Shaping Europe’s Editorial Team, I hope to be able to contribute to making the EU comprehensible to a larger audience. I hold a Master of Science in Political Science from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, with a specialisation in Democracy, Power, and Inequality, and previously, I obtained a Bachelor of Arts in European Studies from the University of Amsterdam, with a major in European History. 

• Interests: Political history, European culture, international relations, democracy, diplomacy
• LinkedIn: Hanna Krijgsman van Spangenberg

Luna Verbaas – Editor 

I approach my interest in Europe and its social and political processes through the lense of gender and postcolonial studies. With my interdisciplinary background I hope to broach topics like equality and power dynamics of minority groups, involving a European perspective on solutions to the challenges related to this.

• Interests:  international relations, Middle East, conflict studies, gender studies, political
• LinkedIn: Luna Verbaas

Julia van de Boel – Editor 

I am currently studying Notarial Law at the University of Utrecht. In order to obtain a more interdisciplinary perspective I am also pursuing a bachelor’s degree Liberal Arts and Sciences, with a major in International relations from a historical perspective. I enjoy using these different perspectives and approaches when looking at social issues, something I hope to share when writing for Shaping Europe.

• Interests:  international & private law; social & economic history; international relations
• LinkedIn: Julia van de Boel

Viktoria Hodson – Editor

What particularly interests me about the European Union is how it functions as a global player on the international stage and how the internal dynamics of its member states impact its direction. My main goal at Shaping Europe is to help make EU politics accessible and easy to understand for more people. Originally from the US, I have completed a bachelor’s degree in Languages and International Relations from the University of Greenwich and am currently studying a Master’s in European Union Studies at Leiden University.

• Interests: EU foreign policy, domestic European politics, Euroscepticism 
• LinkedIn: Viktoria Hodson

Iva Dzhunova – Editor 

Coming from Bulgaria, one of the youngest member states, the meaning and implications of being in the EU have been a formative interest of mine. My mission as an editor at Shaping Europe is to bring current EU developments and issues to the people in a straightforward manner with the hope of sparking interest and stimulating engagement with EU dynamics. I hold a BA in International Relations from the University of Groningen and an MA in European Policy from the University of Amsterdam.

• Interests: EU enlargement and integration, democratic backsliding, migration, digitalisation
• LinkedIn: Iva Dzhunova

Indigo Tjan – Editor 

In an effort towards a more peaceful and prosperous Europe, I’m trying to understand European society from different academic and geographical perspectives. I have a BA Liberal Arts and Sciences (University College Utrecht, majoring in Political Science and History) and a LLB (Utrecht University). I’m from September 2024 onwards pursuing a MA Political Science at the Central European University in Vienna (AT). I’m currently in Sofia (BG) for an internship and I previously lived in Kraków (PL).

• Interests: Central- and Eastern Europe, European integration, Political parties, Elections, Rule of Law
• LinkedIn: Indigo Tjan

Matt Naylor – Editor 

I hold a Master’s in Political Science from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and a Bachelor’s degree in Politics and International Relations. My academic work has mainly focused on foreign policy and security issues and the link between politics, sports, and sporting events. I am eager to contribute to Shaping Europe by writing engaging articles that inform people on key topics and discussions within the EU.

• Interests: Security, EU and US Foreign policy, Politics of Sports and sporting events, International Relations
• LinkedIn: Matt Naylor

Vincent Lubach – Editor 

I recently completed my master’s degree in European Policy after a bachelor’s in European Studies from the University of Amsterdam with a specialisation in European Economics and International Relations. With a strong passion for writing and an interest in European debates throughout my studies, I have focused on technology, politics and economic issues in my academic work. I am eager to contribute to Shaping Europe by writing insightful and engaging articles on current topics in these fields, aiming to inform and captivate a broader audience.

• Interests: Technology, security, European economics, East Asia, international relations
• LinkedIn: Vincent Lubach

Valeria Santi – Editor 

Passionate about youth engagement and empowerment, I am excited to contribute to Shaping Europe by making the EU more accessible to young people and diverse audiences. My experiences with youth organizations in Italy, my home country, and abroad, have strengthened my commitment to this cause. I hold a Master’s in European Studies from the University of Amsterdam and a Bachelor’s in Political, Social, and International Sciences from the University of Bologna.

• Interests: International Relations, EU Development Policy, EU Migration Policy, Postcolonial Studies, EU mobility projects for youth
• LinkedIn: Valeria Santi

Olga van den Berg – Editor 

I am passionate about European policy and governance, with a particular interest in how migration and integration intersect with broader EU challenges. With professional experience in asylum reception in the Netherlands and an academic background—including an MSc in Public Administration from Erasmus University Rotterdam and an MSc in Migration Studies from Universitat Pompeu Fabra—I bring both practical and research-based perspectives. Now based in Barcelona, I contribute to Shaping Europe by writing articles that explore the nuances of EU governance and its impacts on its citizens and newcomers.

• Interests: European Governance, Migration and Integration, Asylum Reception and Refugee Policy, Human Rights, Social Policy and Inclusion
• LinkedIn: Olga van den Berg

Agnes Lidbrink Ekman – Editor 

With an interdisciplinary background including degrees in Global Sustainable Development, International Development Studies and Migration Studies, I am fascinated by the interconnectedness of key challenges facing the EU today. After spending several years working within civil society, I am now transitioning towards a role within the field of journalism and reporting. I am particularly interested in the role narratives play in shaping political and public opinion within the EU today, and look forward to joining the key ongoing debates.

• Interests: Narrative Change, Social Justice, Migration and Integration, Sexual and Reproductive Rights, Sustainability
• LinkedIn: Agnes Lidbrink Ekman

Esmee Slutter – Freelance Editor and Webmaster

The European Union is often seen as a complex political institution. My contribution to Shaping Europe mostly focuses on making this complex system understandable by showing the influences its different policies have on the daily lives of Europeans. I hold a Master of Arts in European Studies from the University of Amsterdam, with a specialisation in East European Studies and have previously obtained bachelor’s degrees both in Russian Studies and History, the latter with a focus on European cultural history.

• Interests: Animal welfare, European culture, history and society, Sustainability 

Marnix Vermeer – Freelance Editor 

I believe that for the EU to tackle the challenges of the 21st century, it needs to become more democratic and resilient. I’ve joined Shaping Europe to contribute my expertise in geopolitical dynamics and economic issues to a platform that aims to bring constructive ideas to the forefront. Currently a Senior Policy Advisor at a government body, my academic background in international relations and research into foreign political influence in the EU inform my perspectives on global economic risks and geopolitical shifts.

• Interests: Geopolitical Analysis, Macro economics and Economic Risk Assessment

George Bandy – Freelance Editor 

Democracy, digital, and all things citizens! I work for a non-profit that focuses on strengthening European democracy through advocacy, campaigning, and developing tools for better societies. LL.M in European and International Law from the University of Amsterdam and an European Studies alumnus.

 

• Interests: Digital Policy and Regulation, Competition, Civil Society, and Citizen Participation
• LinkedIn: George Bandy