Speech by minister Berendsen at opening academic year Eindhoven University of Technology

[The spoken word takes precedence]
Good afternoon, everyone,
And thank you for having me here on this special day.
With that, I’m not referring to the official birthday of PSV – founded in Eindhoven exactly 113 years ago. 
We’re here to open a new academic year.
I was born and raised in the province of Brabant, and I’m proud of our region.
Our culture.
Our people.
But as a NAC supporter from the city of Breda, it’s a bit hard for me to admit that PSV has this excellent slogan: 
Eendracht maakt macht. Unity is strength.
It could be the slogan of Brainport itself.
Brainport is internationally associated with knowledge and research, with high tech and innovation. And rightfully so. 

But today I want to emphasise something that lies beneath.
And what I learned from while working with this ecosystem over the last decade:
Brainport is not just an economic model.
It’s a culture.
A culture of collaboration.
Of trust.
Of sharing knowledge.
Of celebrating each other’s successes.
Companies large and small, universities, government and knowledge institutions investing in each other. Even if there’s no immediate payoff.
Because they understand that together they can create something that none of them could achieve alone.
That culture has deep roots here. It is a culture that was also characteristic of Philips.
That is what makes Brainport strong. That is the spirit of Brainport: Unity is strength.

When I was a member of the European parliament, I was asked by many international colleagues about the secret of Brainport. And I’ve seen delegations from all over the world travelling to this region, asking questions. With an eagerness to learn from its success. 
Yet without the Brainport spirit, it’s impossible to copy its success. It’s impossible to copy its strength.
That is why I wish the Netherlands – and maybe also politics in the Netherlands – and Europe more of this spirit. As it’s urgently needed.
The countries of Europe need to join forces more than ever. 
Because the world around us has changed dramatically. 
Russia’s aggression is endangering Europe’s security. China is competing with Europe using cheap technology. And the United States – though still an important partner – is becoming less predictable. 
The very future of Europe is at stake. Our security, our prosperity and our freedom.
For too long, many of us thought of peace as a natural condition. It’s not. 
Today, we are living in a ‘grey zone’ between war and peace. Where cyberattacks, disinformation, economic coercion and attacks on critical infrastructure have become regular occurrences. 
And at the same time, we are seeing intense global competition for technological leadership.
Artificial intelligence. Quantum technology. Semiconductors. Drones. Cyber technology. 
These are subjects for engineers and scientists. But they are also subjects of geopolitics.
Today, technological advantage translates into economic power, political influence and military capability.
That is why the Netherlands has recently adopted a new International Security Strategy and an International AI Strategy. One of their central conclusions is very clear: 
Strengthening European security will be one of the most important tasks in the years ahead. 
This is not a choice; it is a necessity. And I believe we can do it.
We need a stronger Europe within NATO. A European Union that can act jointly and decisively. And stronger security partnerships with trusted countries around the world, including – among others – Japan, South Korea and Australia. 
But security does not come free.
A less dependent and more resilient Europe requires investment. Financial investment. Economic investment. But personal investment too: a willingness to contribute. 
Even if there’s no immediate payoff. 
It requires investing in the common good. 
It requires investing in each other.
It requires investing in a bit of Brainport spirit.
It also means investing in knowledge and innovation. Because without technological innovation, there is no modern security.
And that brings me back to you.
The technological breakthroughs being developed today will determine not only our economic prosperity tomorrow. They will also determine our security, our strategic autonomy and our ability to protect our values.
Here in Eindhoven and across Europe, companies, universities and governments are working together in sectors that are crucial. Not only for our economy, but also for our security and our society.
That is Europe at its best.
That is a bit of Brainport in Europe.
And we need more of it.
Consider our critical economic dependencies, which can be used as instruments of political pressure.
We have seen how energy dependencies can be weaponised. We have seen how control over critical supply chains can create enormous geopolitical leverage. 
And that is why we need to join forces to become more resilient together.
We need to diversify supply chains.
We need to make sure that critical technologies and capabilities are available when we need them.
And in this regard, Brainport is not only an example. It has a very special role to play.
We need to create the technologies and companies of the future. We need to make sure that the next big thing can emerge here. That is how we will remain strategically relevant.
Also I have a message specifically for the students among you, and to your fellow students all over the campus.
You are not simply listening to this story.
You are part of it.
You are the engineers, researchers, entrepreneurs and technology leaders of tomorrow. 
You probably didn’t choose to study here because you wanted to contribute to the aims of Dutch foreign policy. And you certainly shouldn’t feel like you have to. 
But I would like you to remember one thing:
What you build could have consequences far beyond the laboratory.
A new chip architecture. A new AI application. A new quantum system. A new sustainable solution.
Your creativity and knowledge can strengthen Europe’s competitiveness. Reduce our vulnerabilities. Create new strategic options for governments. 
And sometimes, quite literally, give the Netherlands, give Europe, a seat at the table.
That is the geopolitical value of knowledge.
And so, as you start this new academic year, I encourage you to remain curious. Ask questions. Challenge the status quo. 
Because Europe needs your creativity. It needs people who are willing to turn curiosity into impact. And it needs you to take that Brainport spirit wherever you go. 
I wish you all an inspiring, challenging and successful academic year. 
And remember: Unity is strength!

Thank you.