1960-2021 – In memoriam of Hans van Baalen

Johannes Cornelis “Hans” van Baalen served as LI president (2009-2014). He was a veteran Dutch parliamentarian who, until 2019, led the VVD delegation in the European Parliament with a special focus on foreign affairs and defence.

As president of the ALDE Party (2015-2021) – Europe’s transnational political party – Mr Van Baalen worked with Liberal Democratic parties to promote liberal values across the continent. Having worked as a management consultant for Deloitte, he entered the Dutch parliament in 1999 and the European Parliament in 2009.

For his defence of liberal ideas, Mr Van Baalen was bestowed with awards from many countries including Chile, Germany, Catalonia, and Ukraine.

Hans van Baalen held the rank of Colonel (Reserve) in the Royal Netherlands Army and completed a tour of duty in Bosnia in 2002.

*Updated 20/05/2021 to reflect the passing of Hans van Baalen