Wim van Eekelen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wim van Eekelen
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![]() Van Eekelen in 1978
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Member of the Senate | |
In office 13 June 1995 – 10 June 2003 |
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Parliamentary group | People's Party for Freedom and Democracy |
Secretary General of the Western European Union |
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In office 15 May 1989 – 15 November 1994 |
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Preceded by | Alfred Cahen |
Succeeded by | José Cutileiro |
Minister of Defence | |
In office 14 July 1986 – 6 September 1988 |
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Prime Minister | Ruud Lubbers |
Preceded by | Job de Ruiter |
Succeeded by | Piet Bukman (Ad interim) |
State Secretary for Foreign Affairs | |
In office 5 November 1982 – 14 July 1986 |
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Prime Minister | Ruud Lubbers |
Preceded by | Hans van den Broek |
Succeeded by | René van der Linden |
State Secretary for Defence | |
In office 20 January 1978 – 11 September 1981 Serving with Cees van Lent
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Prime Minister | Dries van Agt |
Preceded by | Cees van Lent |
Succeeded by | Bram Stemerdink Jan van Houwelingen |
Member of the House of Representatives | |
In office 3 June 1986 – 14 July 1986 |
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In office 25 August 1981 – 5 November 1982 |
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In office 8 June 1977 – 20 January 1978 |
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Parliamentary group | People's Party for Freedom and Democracy |
Personal details | |
Born |
Willem Frederik van Eekelen
5 February 1931 Utrecht, Netherlands |
Died | 25 June 2025 The Hague, Netherlands |
(aged 94)
Political party | People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (from 1955) |
Residences | The Hague, Netherlands |
Alma mater | Utrecht University (Bachelor of Laws, Master of Laws, Doctor of Philosophy) Princeton University (A.B.) |
Occupation | Politician · Diplomat · civil servant · Jurist · Political scientist · Researcher · Political consultant · Corporate director · Nonprofit director · Lobbyist · Author |
Military service | |
Allegiance | ![]() |
Branch/service | Royal Netherlands Army |
Years of service | 1956–1957 (Conscription) 1957–1961 (Reserve) |
Rank | ![]() |
Unit | Regiment Huzaren van Boreel |
Battles/wars | Cold War |
Willem Frederik van Eekelen (born 5 February 1931) was a Dutch politician, diplomat, and political scientist. He passed away on 25 June 2025, at the age of 94. He was known for his long career in government and international affairs.
Contents
Wim van Eekelen: A Life in Politics
Wim van Eekelen had a very active career. He served in many important roles. These included being a member of the Dutch Parliament and a government minister. He also worked as a diplomat for his country.
Early Life and Education
Wim van Eekelen went to a special high school called a Gymnasium in Utrecht. He studied there from 1943 to 1949. After that, he went to Utrecht University to study Law. He earned his first law degree in 1951.
He also studied in the United States. He attended Princeton University and graduated in 1952. His main subject was politics. He wrote a paper about the Marshall Plan and its importance for the Netherlands. He then returned to Utrecht University. He earned another law degree in 1954.
Van Eekelen also served in the Royal Netherlands Army. He was a Lieutenant in the cavalry. This was from 1956 to 1957.
Starting a Career in Diplomacy
After his military service, Van Eekelen became a civil servant. He worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This started in 1957. He worked as a diplomat in different countries.
He was an Attaché in New Delhi, India, from 1957 to 1960. Then he worked in London, England, until 1964. He also went back to Utrecht University for more studies. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in political science in 1964.
After that, he continued his diplomatic work. He was an Attaché in Accra, Ghana. This was from 1964 to 1966. He then worked with the European Union. He was a senior attaché and later a Consul for the European Economic Community.
His Political Journey
In 1977, Wim van Eekelen was elected. He became a Member of the House of Representatives. This is part of the Dutch Parliament. Later that year, he became a State Secretary for Defence. He held this role until 1981.
He returned to Parliament in 1981. In 1982, he became State Secretary for Foreign Affairs. This is a high-level government position. He served in this role until 1986.
In 1986, he was elected to Parliament again. Soon after, he became the Minister of Defence. He served as Minister until 1988. He resigned from this role due to an issue that occurred when he was State Secretary for Foreign Affairs.

After leaving his minister role, Van Eekelen continued in politics. In 1989, he became the Secretary General of the Western European Union. This was an important international role. He held this position until 1994.
In 1995, he was elected to the Senate. This is the upper house of the Dutch Parliament. He served there until 2003. He chaired several important committees. In 2003, he decided to retire from national politics.
After His Retirement
After 26 years in politics, Wim van Eekelen retired. He stayed active in many areas. He served on the boards of several organizations. These included groups focused on democracy and international relations. He also worked as a diplomat and advocate. He supported democracy, NATO, and European cooperation.
Van Eekelen was known for his skills. He was good at negotiating and helping groups agree. He was the only Dutchman to serve as Secretary General of the Western European Union. He continued to share his thoughts on political matters in his later years.
Decorations
Wim van Eekelen received many honors. These awards recognized his important work.
Ribbon bar | Honour | Country | Date | Comment |
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Grand Cross of the Order of Merit | Germany | 12 October 1984 | |
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Grand Officer of the Order of Leopold II | Belgium | 15 September 1986 | |
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Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour | France | 17 February 1987 | |
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Grand Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau | Netherlands | 10 December 1988 | |
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Commander of the Order of the Netherlands Lion | Netherlands | 20 November 1994 | Elevated from Knight (26 October 1981) |
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Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit | Poland | 6 May 1998 | |
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Commander of the Order of the Star | Romania | 13 June 2018 |