8 October 2024

Join the Young Meijers Committee

The Young Meijers Committee

The Meijers Committee is recruiting motivated (law) students and young professionals with a strong interest in protecting the European rule of law to join its new initiative, the Young Meijers Committee (YMC), which has been established in response to the increasing threats to democracy and the rule of law within the European Union.

Participants will engage in workshops led by committee members, many of whom are academics from Dutch universities, covering topics such as legal and political advocacy, judicial cooperation with rule-of-law-challenged states, and civil society repression. YMC members will also participate in subcommittees within the Meijers Committee, such as asylum, criminal law, privacy & non-discrimination, and the rule of law. They will contribute to research, drafting comments, and recommendations on legislative and policy developments.

The Meijers Committee aims to inspire and prepare a new generation of legal professionals and policymakers to engage actively in safeguarding and strengthening the European rule of law by equipping them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and practical experience to critically assess the EU’s current trajectory and develop solutions to pressing challenges concerning the rule of law. The overarching goal of the project is to protect the EU rule of law, now and in the future.

What is the Project About?

• We are recruiting 12 students to engage in four workshops per year that are focused on challenges concerning the rule of law in the EU.
• The workshops aim to broaden participants’ knowledge of rule of law challenges within the EU, while also focusing on building the skills necessary to address these issues.
• Participants will be involved in subcommittees, plenary sessions, and direct discussions with decision-makers, acquiring practical skills and experience in defending democratic values.
• Participants will collaborate on a shared final product focused on developing practical solutions for rule of law challenges in the EU, aiming to influence EU policies.
• Responsibilities include, among others, writing legal commentaries and contributing to policy discussions.

Who Can Apply?

This project is aimed at law students, students from affiliated studies and young professionals.

Eligibility:

• Applicants should demonstrate interest in the rule of law and a commitment to promoting democratic values.
• Candidates must be enrolled at a Dutch university or university of applied sciences.
• Candidates must be pursuing a PhD programme, Master’s degree or advanced Bachelor’s degree in Law.
• Students from related studies and young professionals are encouraged to apply, provided they can demonstrate their affinity with protecting the Rule of Law.

What’s in for the Participant?

• Practical Legal Experience: The participant will acquire hands-on experience in legal advocacy and lobbying by working closely with the Meijers Committee on pressing rule of law challenges in Europe.
• Skills Development: The participant will improve their analytical and practical skills while contributing to the development of solutions to safeguard the rule of law within the EU.
• Networking Opportunities: The participant will engage in workshops, meetings, and discussions with key EU and national decision-makers, as well as legal professionals.

Location:

• The activities will take place in the Netherlands. Some sessions will be conducted online.

Project Duration:

• The project runs from February 2025 to December 2025, with a scheduled summer break.
• Participation requires a time commitment of up to four hours per week, however, the actual workload will typically require less time, making it compatible with studies or work commitments.

How to Apply:

• Submit your motivation letter and CV to the Meijers Committee Secretariat via post@commissie-meijers.nl. For further questions contact b.okoobo@commissie-meijers.nl
• Deadline for applications: 10th of January 2025