Hugo (1998) was born in the family home in Zoeterwoude-Dorp. If you were to visit the house, you might spot that his name is missing on the house number sign where all the five other names are. He was born after the house and sign were made, but has long joked he will make a much larger sign for his own name… It is yet to happen! The house was built by Hugo van der Geest whom we named Hugo after him. When Hugo was younger, we spoke about “big” Hugo and “small” Hugo. This is no longer accurate as they are the same height now, we now speak of Hugo Sr. and Hugo Jr.

As the youngest child, Hugo was only two when the family moved away from the Netherlands. He pursued his primary and secondary schooling in Poland, Germany, Belgium, Finland, and Austria. Since then, Hugo has pursued a broad range of studies. He began with a Bachelor in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics in Brighton, England, at the University of Sussex. His first Master was in Public Administration at Leiden University like his brother. In fact, they graduated together due to COVID so he likes to tease his older brother for taking so long! Hugo did a second Master’s at the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland, in International Affairs and Governance.

Hugo has done a traineeship at the European Parliament in Luxembourg, Luxembourg. His main job was in the Archives Unit where he was busy with the website and publications, but he was also elected as the Events Coordinator for 120 trainees. He was very active with this, organizing many events for the trainees and making them interinstitutional, such that trainees from the Commission, Courts, and other institutions could join. Through this, he met Anna Hedderich (1995) who was doing her traineeship at the Commission. Anna is now working for the Commission in Brussels and Hugo couldn’t be prouder of the work that she does!

Hugo is by far the most fanatical skier of the family, he could spend the whole year on the slopes if the chance was given! Similar to Robin, he loves jogging and cycling. He enjoys painting, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.