Cees van der Knaap, Dutch soldier and politician

Cornelis (Cees) van der Knaap: A Distinguished Dutch Politician and Former State Secretary for Defence

Cornelis "Cees" van der Knaap, born on January 27, 1951, in the municipality of Bennekom, Gelderland, is a highly respected Dutch politician known for his extensive public service. A prominent figure within the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) party, Van der Knaap held various significant positions throughout his career, most notably serving as the State Secretary for Defence.

Early Life and Political Ascent

Cees van der Knaap's journey into public life began with a foundation in trade unionism, providing him with a strong understanding of societal and economic dynamics. His commitment to public service led him to join the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), a major centre-right political party in the Netherlands, historically rooted in Christian democracy. The CDA emphasizes social justice, solidarity, and the importance of civil society organizations. Van der Knaap's dedication to the party's principles saw him elected as a Member of the House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer der Staten-Generaal) in 1998, where he served until 2002, gaining valuable parliamentary experience and contributing to national policy debates.

Tenure as State Secretary for Defence (2002-2007)

From July 22, 2002, to February 22, 2007, Cees van der Knaap served as the State Secretary for Defence in the Dutch government, a crucial role within the Ministry of Defence. In the Dutch political system, a State Secretary (Staatssecretaris) operates under the direct responsibility of a Minister and is often tasked with specific policy portfolios. During his nearly five-year tenure, spanning the Balkenende I, II, and III cabinets, Van der Knaap was instrumental in overseeing significant aspects of the Royal Netherlands Armed Forces.

• Portfolio Responsibilities: His duties primarily focused on the operational management, personnel, materiel, and procurement within the Ministry of Defence. This included managing the defence budget, ensuring the welfare of military personnel, and overseeing the acquisition of new defence equipment and technologies crucial for modern military operations.
• Military Transformation: During his term, the Dutch armed forces underwent a period of significant transformation, adapting to new geopolitical realities and evolving threats. Van der Knaap was involved in initiatives aimed at making the military more flexible, deployable, and technologically advanced, often in the context of international peacekeeping and stability operations, such as those in Afghanistan.
• International Cooperation: He also played a role in strengthening international defence cooperation, particularly within NATO and the European Union, which is vital for a small nation's defence capabilities.

Contributions to the Christian Democratic Appeal and Post-Government Roles

Van der Knaap's career epitomizes the Christian Democratic Appeal's emphasis on responsible governance and public service. After his impactful period at the Ministry of Defence, he transitioned to local government, becoming the Mayor of Ede in 2007. He served in this capacity with distinction for over a decade until his retirement in 2018, demonstrating his versatility and continued commitment to community leadership and public administration at various levels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cees van der Knaap

Who is Cornelis (Cees) van der Knaap?

Cornelis "Cees" van der Knaap is a Dutch politician, born in 1951, who is best known for serving as the State Secretary for Defence in the Netherlands from 2002 to 2007. He was also a Member of Parliament and later the Mayor of Ede.

Which political party did Cees van der Knaap belong to?

Cees van der Knaap was a prominent member of the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), a major centre-right political party in the Netherlands.

What was Cees van der Knaap's role as State Secretary for Defence?

As State Secretary for Defence, Cees van der Knaap was responsible for key aspects of the Dutch Ministry of Defence, including personnel management, materiel procurement, and the overall operational administration of the Royal Netherlands Armed Forces.

Where was Cees van der Knaap born?

Cees van der Knaap was born on January 27, 1951, in Bennekom, which is a village located within the municipality of Ede, in the province of Gelderland, Netherlands.