About us
Our mission
The Centre for European Security Studies (CESS) is an independent institute for research and training, based in Groningen, the Netherlands. CESS seeks to advance political development, democracy, human rights and in particular security, by helping governments and civil society face their respective challenges.
CESS is an international, multidisciplinary and inclusive institute. Its work is part of the European quest for stability and prosperity, both within and outside Europe. CESS encourages informed debate, empowers individuals, fosters mutual understanding on matters of governance, and promotes democratic structures and processes.
CESS is fully dependent on external project-funding. From 1993 onwards CESS has been funded by a broad variety of foundations, international organisations and governments. From 2015 onwards most project funding was received through the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Open Society Foundations.
Our mission
The Centre for European Security Studies (CESS) is an independent institute for research and training, based in Groningen, the Netherlands. CESS seeks to advance political development, democracy, human rights and in particular security, by helping governments and civil society face their respective challenges.
CESS is an international, multidisciplinary and inclusive institute. Its work is part of the European quest for stability and prosperity, both within and outside Europe. CESS encourages informed debate, empowers individuals, fosters mutual understanding on matters of governance, and promotes democratic structures and processes.
CESS is fully dependent on external project-funding. From 1993 onwards CESS has been funded by a broad variety of foundations, international organisations and governments. From 2015 onwards most project funding was received through the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Open Society Foundations.
Staff
Associates
Bauke Snoep – CESS Associate
Bauke Snoep is a seasoned trainer who has helped CESS out since 2006 with training on democratic governance in the security sector, integrity building, corruption fighting and fundamental rights of military personnel. Before his engagement with CESS he was President of EUROMIL, a European umbrella organization for organizations of military personnel.
Sami Faltas – CESS Associate
Sami Faltas is a former Director of CESS and an experienced trainer. He holds a doctorate in economics and published widely on international affairs, disarmament and security. At CESS he stood at the basis of several training modules, for instance the praised role play on the fictitious country of Croania.
Board
Peter Volten – Chairperson
Peter Volten is founder of CESS and former Professor of International Relations at the University of Groningen, Peter has written extensively on security and defence issues.
Peter Vanhoutte – Secretary
Peter Vanhoutte is a Belgium high-level mediator and a Parliamentary and Political Party Empowerment Expert.
Nienke de Deugd – Treasurer
Nienke de Deugd is Senior Lecturer at the Department of International Relations and International Organization, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
Wim van Eekelen – Member
Wim van Eekelen is a Dutch former Minister of Defence and Secretary General of the WEU
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