Hellen Kooijman (The Netherlands) studied Eastern European Studies, is a journalist and has been writing about Eastern Europe and Bulgaria for over 15 years.

She speaks Bulgarian and is at home in Bulgaria, where she regularly writes articles about it for various Dutch-language magazines. Kooijman is also the author of several books, including In Bulgaria. A desperate nation on its way to Europe (2006). She was also the editor of The Eastern Bloc Book (2014). In addition, she was editor-in-chief of Donau, a magazine on Central and Eastern Europe, from 2012 to 2016. She still works for the magazine, now as an editor.

 

Hellen Kooijman

Info

Name
Hellen Kooijman
Title
Journalist
Expertise
Eastern Europe and Bulgaria
Country
Netherlands
City
Utrecht
Links

Supported projects

Roma, the last EU citizens

  • Equality

BRUSSELS - In spite of the efforts made by NGOs and the distribution of EU funds, Europe’s main minority is no better off than it was 10 years ago. Anno 2012 the significant proportion of Europe’s 12 million Roma live in deplorable conditions. Ethnic tensions are on the rise. Dutch journalist Hellen Kooijman reconstructed more than ten years of failed European policy. A lack of appropriate supervision in Brussels, the corruption of local leaders and the indifference of national governments are at the root of the problem. 

Read more