A New Hub in the Heart of the International City
The Hague’s reputation as the international city of peace and justice is attracting a new kind of institution: cybersecurity research labs. The latest addition is the European Cyber Resilience Centre (ECRC), which opened its doors this month in the Beatrixkwartier business district, joining a growing cluster of tech-focused organisations in the city.
The ECRC, backed by a €25 million investment from the European Commission and private sector partners including Cisco and Thales, will focus on protecting critical infrastructure — from the Port of Rotterdam’s automated cargo systems to the North Sea offshore wind farms that power millions of European homes.
Why The Hague?
The choice of location was strategic. The Hague already hosts Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3), the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA), and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) — all of which handle highly sensitive data and face persistent cyber threats.
“The density of international organisations here creates a natural testing ground,” says ECRC director Dr. Sarah Lindström. “We can collaborate directly with the institutions that need protection, rather than working from a distance.”
The centre will employ 120 researchers and engineers by the end of 2026, recruiting from the strong talent pool at TU Delft, Leiden University, and The Hague University of Applied Sciences. A dedicated internship programme aims to train 50 students per year in offensive and defensive cybersecurity techniques.
Building an Ecosystem
The ECRC is the latest in a series of tech investments reshaping The Hague’s economy. The city’s startup incubator, Apollo 14, has graduated 35 tech companies since 2024, and the nearby HSD Campus — the Dutch security cluster — now houses over 200 organisations.
“The Hague is no longer just about diplomacy,” said Saskia Bruines, alderman for economic affairs. “We are deliberately building a knowledge economy that complements our international institutions. Cybersecurity is a natural fit.”
For tech workers considering a move, The Hague offers a compelling alternative to Amsterdam: lower housing costs, proximity to the beach, and a growing community of international professionals working at the intersection of technology and governance.
