Willemijn AerdtsMinister for the Digital Economy and Sovereignty
Born on 21 April 1983 in Ermelo, unmarried, 2 children
Party: Democrats ’66 (D66)
The Netherlands must take the lead in the digital world. Digitalisation and AI are vital for innovation, economic growth, security and our prosperity. Together with our European partners, we will therefore invest in infrastructure, technology and resilience. We will also build a digital government that is reliable, accessible and efficient. This will reduce unwanted dependence on foreign players and strengthen our strategic position.
Digital economy and infrastructure
Coordinating role regarding digitalisation and sovereignty
Telecoms
Digitalisation, digital technologies and sovereignty in society and government
AI and algorithms
Digital Service for the Netherlands
Open data
Digital wallets
European and international digitalisation policy
Advisory Board on ICT Assessment, Dutch Authority for Digital Infrastructure
Dutch Digitalisation Strategy
23 February 2026
Appointed Minister for the Digital Economy and Sovereignty in the Jetten government
13 June 2023 – 23 February 2026
Member of the Senate and (from 4 September 2023) deputy leader of D66 in the Senate
1 July 2016 – 23 February 2026
Lecturer/researcher, Institute of Security and Global Affairs, Leiden University
1 January 2013 – 23 February 2026
Owner, Bureau Aerdts, training and advice on policy and security
April 2021 – September 2022
Education coordinator, National Academy for Crisis Management and acting dean/Chief Science Officer (December 2021 – August 2022), National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism (NCTV)
October 2010 – June 2016
Lecturer, Ad de Jonge Centre for Intelligence and Security Studies, University of Amsterdam
May 2011 – January 2012
Public affairs officer, Bits of Freedom (digital rights group protecting privacy and online freedom)
February 2009 – May 2011
Researcher, Policy and Operations Evaluation Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
May 2007 – September 2008
Campaign officer, BKB (agency for social and political campaigns)
2006 – 2009
MA in International Relations, Utrecht University
2005 – 2007
LLM in Public International Law, Utrecht University
2002 – 2005
Bachelor of Laws, Utrecht University
2001 – 2002
Law, University of Groningen (not completed)
1995 – 2001
Secondary education, Van der Capellen School, Zwolle
January 2025 – 23 February 2026
Member of the supervisory board, Netherlands Atlantic Association
May 2024 – 23 February 2026
Chair, Netherlands Intelligence Studies Association (member since 2013)
June 2021 – June 2023
Chair, Els Borst Netwerk (network promoting gender equality and female leadership in politics)
May 2020 – 23 February 2026
Member of the advisory board, Women in International Security Netherlands
January 2020 – March 2021
Member of the Peace and Security Committee, Advisory Council on International Affairs (AIV)
June 2018 – 23 February 2026
Member of the board, JASON Institute for Peace & Security Studies
October 2006 – September 2019
Member (2009 – 2012) and co-chair (April 2012 – September 2014) of the board, Worldconnectors (affiliate of the Earth Charter think-tank)
October 2011 – October 2016
Member of the Global Shapers Community, World Economic Forum (member of the board June 2012 – June 2013)
October 2006 – October 2009
Member of the board, United Nations Association of the Netherlands (NVVN)
2001 – 2003
Deputy chair, National Youth Council
December 2000 – October 2002
Youth representative, United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Children 2002
