Prof Dr Anouk Bollen (A.H.H.)
Prof. Dr. Anouk Bollen-Vandenboorn is an experienced leader in European and cross-border cooperation. With a Ph.D. in Tax Law from Maastricht University, she combines academic expertise with strong governance and managerial skills. As director and co-founder of ITEM – the Institute for Transnational and Euregional Cross-Border Cooperation and Mobility – she built bridges between science, policy and society (2015-2026).
She brings extensive experience in leading teams, managing complex agendas and initiating cross-border projects in fields such as mobility, energy and security. Her governance roles include membership of the the Stakeholder Council of the Cross-border Cooperation Point Netherlands–Flanders (Schakelpunt Grensbelemmeringen Nederland-Vlaanderen), the Partner Council of the Cross-border Institute of Healthcare Systems and Prevention (CBI), and trinational initiatives such as Cross Heat.
She also serves as deputy judge and disciplinary board member (NOAB), reflecting independence and analytical breadth.
Recognized as a bridge builder between countries, disciplines, policymakers, citizens and businesses, she combines diplomacy, strategic vision and unifying leadership. Results extend beyond national interests and reflect a deep belief in the power of collaboration, dialogue, integrity and mutual understanding. Her core values – knowledge, connection and collaboration – guide her commitment to strengthening border regions and advancing a resilient Europe and Benelux Union.
Expertises
Cross Border Pension Tax Law
Career history
Anouk Bollen is appointed as Professor in Cross border Pension Tax Law at Maastricht University and is affiliated at the Department of Tax Law since 1996. She graduated in Tax Law at the same university (1991-1995) and defended her PhD in 2004. She is Deputy Judge at Rechtbank Zeeland-West-Brabant and member of the Disciplinary Board of the NOAB. She was Director of Double Degree Master Programme in International and European Tax Law during the period (2015 - 2020). She is visiting Professor at the University of Aruba since 2015. She is co-founder of ITEM / Instititute for Transnational and Euregional Cross Border Cooperation and Mobility and was director in the periode 2015-2026. Her chair was partly paid from 'Kennis-As-funds' provided by the Province of Limburg in that period.