New Dutch cabinet appoints ministers for foreign affairs and trade amid global challenges
The Netherlands welcomes Tom Berendsen and Sjoerd Sjoerdsma as new ministers shaping foreign policy and trade. Their roles focus on strengthening international partnerships, protecting Dutch interests, and reinvesting in development cooperation to secure prosperity and security for citizens.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| New Minister of Foreign Affairs | Tom Berendsen (CDA), former EU Parliament member |
| New Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation | Sjoerd Sjoerdsma (D66), former MP and diplomat |
| Predecessors | David van Weel (Foreign Affairs), Aukje de Vries (Foreign Trade) |
| Position Upgrade | State Secretary for Foreign Trade and Development Aid becomes full minister |
| Title Change | ‘Development aid’ replaced with ‘development cooperation’ |
| Date of Appointment | 23 February 2026 |
| Government | Jetten cabinet |
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for Dutch foreign policy, international relations, and global diplomacy. The Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation oversees trade agreements, economic partnerships, and development programs that directly impact Dutch businesses and global engagement.
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Read the full translated article below
New Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation
On 23 February 2026, the new cabinet members of the Jetten cabinet were sworn in. Tom Berendsen (CDA) is the new Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Sjoerd Sjoerdsma (D66) is the new Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.
Tom Berendsen: Minister of Foreign Affairs
Tom Berendsen is the new Minister of Foreign Affairs. He succeeds David van Weel. Since 2019, Berendsen has represented the Netherlands in the European Parliament and served as the CDA delegation leader.
Minister Berendsen: “The world around us is changing, and our freedom and prosperity are under pressure. I am optimistic that, together with European and international partners, we can protect our position in the world. By looking beyond our borders and working with countries that share our values. And by forging new strategic partnerships. This is how we make the Netherlands and Europe stronger. For ourselves and for future generations.”
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Sjoerd Sjoerdsma: Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation
Sjoerd Sjoerdsma is the new Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation. He succeeds Aukje de Vries. Sjoerdsma served as a Member of Parliament for D66 for over 11 years and previously worked as a diplomat at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Minister Sjoerdsma: “International cooperation is crucial for the Netherlands. In an uncertain world, we are therefore choosing a strong trade policy and reinvesting in development cooperation. We ensure that our partners also benefit and that we firmly protect values such as democracy and human rights. This strengthens our prosperity, resilience, and security.”
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State Secretary for Foreign Trade and Development Aid becomes Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation
The position of State Secretary for Foreign Trade and Development Aid has been upgraded to a full ministerial post. Additionally, the term ‘development aid’ in the title has been replaced with ‘development cooperation’.