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Ben Knapen

b. 1951

Dutch politician and journalist

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About Ben Knapen

Born 1951. Ben Knapen is a Dutch writer, journalist, historian, politician, university teacher and columnist.

Hubertus Petrus Maria "Ben" Knapen (born 6 January 1951) is a Dutch historian and politician who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 24 September 2021 to 10 January 2022. A member of the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), he previously was State Secretary for Foreign Affairs from 2010 to 2012 and parliamentary leader in the Senate from 2019 to 2021.

Career Knapen was the State Secretary for Foreign Affairs in the first Rutte cabinet, serving from 14 October 2010 to 5 November 2012. His portfolio comprised European Union matters, as well as international aid. Then he was on the advisory board of OMFIF where he was regularly involved in meetings regarding the financial and monetary system.

Other activities Bilderberg Group, attendee of the 1991 meeting in Baden-Baden African Development Bank (AfDB), Ex-Officio Member of the Board of Governors (2010–2012)

Decorations Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau (7 December 2012) Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit (9 September 2021)

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Important facts

Birth century
Education
Radboud University, Radboud University Nijmegen
Positions held
Member of the Senate of the Netherlands, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Employers
Radboud University
Awards
Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany; Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau

People in Ben Knapen's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Ben Knapen's

Frequently asked questions

Who is Ben Knapen?

Dutch politician and journalist

When was Ben Knapen born?

Ben Knapen was born on 6 January 1951 in Kaatsheuvel.

What is Ben Knapen's occupation?

Ben Knapen is a writer, journalist, historian, politician, university teacher and columnist.

What nationality is Ben Knapen?

Ben Knapen is Dutch.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Ben Knapen

· Wikidata: Q347781

· DBpedia: Ben Knapen

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Ben Knapen. https://biography.guide/ben-knapen/

MLA: "Ben Knapen." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/ben-knapen/.

Chicago: "Ben Knapen." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/ben-knapen/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-25 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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