David M. van Weel (born 4 August 1976) is a Dutch soldier and diplomat.

David van Weel
Van Weel in 2022
Minister of Justice and Security
Assuming office
2 July 2024
Prime MinisterDick Schoof
SucceedingDilan Yeşilgöz
Assistant Secretary General for Innovation, Cyber defence and Hybrid threats of NATO
Assumed office
1 November 2020
Secretary GeneralJens Stoltenberg
Preceded byAntonio Missiroli
Personal details
Born
David M. van Weel

(1976-08-04) 4 August 1976 (age 47)
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Political partyVVD (2024–present)
Children3
EducationGymnasium Erasmianum
Alma materRoyal Netherlands Navy
University of Amsterdam
Occupation
  • Soldier
  • diplomat

Career

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He started his career with the Royal Netherlands Navy, where after graduating from the Naval Academy (1994–1999) he served on a number of different frigates, including with the British Royal Navy as an exchange officer. He worked as a Staff Officer for Middle and Eastern European countries in the Defence Staff and ended his term at the Navy as a Primarily Warfare Officer and Navigation Officer. Van Weel holds a degree in history.[1]

He joined the Netherlands Ministry of Defence in 2004.[2] He worked as a senior policy officer for operations in Afghanistan and Libya, and he coordinated policy on NATO, nuclear policy and disarmament, special operations, as well as the preparation of the Dutch defence budget. He later served as Chief of Cabinet for the Minister of Defence and the Permanent Secretary (2012–2014) and as Director for International Affairs and Operations/Policy Director (2014 2016).[3]

Starting in 2016, Van Weel served as advisor on foreign affairs and defense to Prime Minister Mark Rutte.[4] In 2020, he became Assistant Secretary General for Innovation, Cyber defence and Hybrid threats of NATO, under Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Broadcaster NOS noted that Van Weel had more frequent public appearances following the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.[1]

In June 2024, he was nominated to serve as Minister of Justice and Security in the new Schoof cabinet on behalf of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD).[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "VVD'er David van Weel van de NAVO naar Justitie" [VVD member David van Weel from NATO to Justice]. NOS (in Dutch). 13 June 2024. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
  2. ^ Derix, Steven; Van den Dool, Pim; Stokmans, Derk; Vermeer, Oscar; Klumpenaar, Sjoerd; König, Eppo; Pelgrim, Christiaan; Bouwman, Boris (13 June 2024). "Van diplomaat tot Boer zoekt Vrouw-kandidaat: dit zijn de beoogde ministers van het kabinet-Schoof" [From diplomat to Farmer Wants Wife contender: These are the ministers-designate of the Schoof cabinet]. NRC (in Dutch). Retrieved 18 June 2024.
  3. ^ NATO. "David van Weel, Assistant Secretary General for Innovation, Hybrid and Cyber". NATO. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
  4. ^ Zaken, Ministerie van Buitenlandse. "Interview met David van Weel - Assistant Secretary General bij de NAVO - Interview - De Veiligheidsdiplomaat". magazines.rijksoverheid.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved 2024-06-12.