Four Long-Serving Veldhoven Councillors Awarded Royal Honours for Public Service
Four departing councillors in Veldhoven were honored with Royal distinctions for their years of dedication to local governance. Their contributions have shaped policies and inspired future leaders in the community, marking the end of an era for the 2022–2026 term.
| Name | Role in Council | Years of Service | Award Received | Notable Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karen Gielis | Councillor (VSA, HvV) | 12 years | Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau | Gestalt therapist, supervisory board member |
| Hans van de Looij | Alderman & Councillor (GBV) | 14 years | Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau | Longest-serving non-denominational alderman |
| Wim Peters | Councillor (VSA, HvV) | 16 years | Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau | Retired Vencomatic employee, local figure |
| Peter Saris | Councillor & VVD Faction Leader | 16 years | Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau | Economics teacher, mentor to young politicians |
| Location | Veldhoven, Noord-Brabant | Date | March 31, 2026 |
The municipality of Veldhoven is responsible for local governance, including appointing councillors and recognizing their contributions to public service. Royal Honours are awarded to individuals who have made significant impacts in their communities, often marking the end of their tenure in public office.
Read the full translated article below
Royal Honours for Four Departing Veldhoven Councillors
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, four departing councillors—Karen Gielis, Hans van de Looij, Wim Peters, and Peter Saris—received Royal Honours from Mayor Marcel Delhez. They were appointed Members of the Order of Orange-Nassau in recognition of their contributions as councillors in the municipality of Veldhoven. The award ceremony took place on Tuesday, March 31. That evening, the municipality of Veldhoven bid farewell to councillors who will not return to the municipal council for the 2026–2029 term.
Ms. C.M.P. (Karen) Gielis
Karen Gielis (58) works as an independent entrepreneur at Saudade Begeleiding in Veldhoven. She has served as a councillor in the municipality of Veldhoven since March 27, 2014, initially representing Veldhoven Samen Anders (VSA) for two terms and since March 30, 2022, for Hart voor Veldhoven (HvV). Gielis also works as a gestalt therapist and process facilitator in her own practice and served on the supervisory board of Cordaad Welzijn between 2017 and 2023.
Mr. P.J.M. (Hans) van de Looij
Hans van de Looij (66) is one of the most experienced politicians in Veldhoven. He served as an alderman for 14 years, setting a record as the longest-serving non-denominational alderman in the past 100 years. Van de Looij was active for Gemeentebelangen Veldhoven (GBV) from 1994–2000, 2006–2014, and 2022–2026. He worked as a history teacher at MAVO Selsterhorst (which later merged into Sondervick College), was involved with Veilig Verkeer Nederland, and ran his own driving school from 1984 to 1990. In January, Van de Looij announced he would not seek re-election, making way for the next generation.
Mr. W.G.M. (Wim) Peters
Wim Peters (69) has served as a councillor in the municipality of Veldhoven since 2010. He began as a supporting faction member for Veldhoven Samen Anders (VSA) in 2009 and has represented Hart voor Veldhoven (HvV) since 2022. Peters also works as a retired on-call employee at Vencomatic (poultry solutions). He is affectionately known as the "chicken whisperer." Peters is a familiar figure in Oerle and plays a visible role in local politics.
Mr. A.P. (Peter) Saris
Peter Saris (55) has served as a councillor without interruption since March 2010 and was leader of the VVD faction from 2014–2016 and 2018–2019. Saris is known as an experienced, strategic politician who also works as an economics teacher, inspiring young people to engage in politics. Currently, he teaches economics at Rythovius College in Eersel. Six young councillors in Veldhoven were once his students, though he emphasizes that teachers should not influence political preferences. Saris is a well-known and respected resident of Veldhoven.
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