Bio

Welcome on my website. Here I share the work I have been doing since I was elected to the European Parliament in 2009 for the D66 political party from The Netherlands.

In the committee of Foreign Affairs I focus on strengthening Europe as a global player. The EU is in the process of developing an effective common foreign policy in which the fostering of democracy, the rule of law and human rights should be essential. I work on the EU’s neighborhood policy, notably Turkey and the Western Balkans, as well as on Iran. For the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe. I speak on human rights and coordinate the monthly human rights resolutions. My work in the foreign affairs committee is supported by membership of the delegations for relations with (respectively) the United States, Iran and the Western Balkans.

In September 2011 I have been appointed as a substitute member of the International Trade committee, currently being the only Dutch MEP. After the entry into force of the Lisbon treaty the Parliament’s consent is required before the EU can conclude Free Trade Agreements (FTA’s). Respect for human rights, corporate responsibility and trade as a facilitator for positive change in societies are the principles underpinning my work in this committee.

Europe’s Digital Agenda is another one of my priorities, such as completing Europe’s digital market, and the copyright dossier. I work on these and other subjects in the Committee for Culture, Media, Education, Youth and Sports.

For a full overview of my parliamentary work click here.

Beyond my work in the European Parliament, I am a member of the European Council on Foreign Relations, serve on the Board of the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center and am a member of the Investment Committee of the Digital Defenders Partnership. I am also a member of the Supervisory Board of Free Press Unlimited, serve on the Board of Governors of the European Internet Foundation, on the Board of Directors of the Flemish-Dutch House deBuren and the Advisory Board of the Dutch section of the Internet Society.

I look forward to continuing discussing the role of Europe in the world, as well as on the opportunities and threats that new technologies bring, with the goal to foster as much freedom to as many individuals as possible.