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David van Weel currently serves as the Minister of Justice and Security of the Netherlands. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing national policies related to justice, public order, counterterrorism, and cybersecurity, as well as safeguarding democratic institutions and the rule of law.

Prior to his ministerial appointment, David van Weel served as NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges (2020–2024). At NATO, he was a key member of the Secretary General’s senior management team and the principal advisor on emerging and disruptive threats, including cyber and hybrid challenges, terrorism, technological innovation (AI, quantum, and more), energy security, and data governance. He also led the Science for Peace and Security Programme, fostering scientific and technical cooperation between NATO and partner nations.

Before joining NATO, he was the Foreign Policy and Defence Advisor to the Prime Minister of the Netherlands from 2016 to 2020. This followed a distinguished career at the Netherlands Ministry of Defence, where he held several senior roles including Director for International Affairs and Operations (2014–2016), Chief of Cabinet to the Minister of Defence and the Permanent Secretary (2012–2014), and senior policy officer for NATO operations, nuclear policy, disarmament, and special operations.

Mr van Weel began his professional journey in the Royal Netherlands Navy. After graduating from the Naval Academy (1994–1999), he served on multiple frigates, worked as a Primary Warfare Officer and Navigation Officer, and completed a tour with the British Royal Navy as an exchange officer.

He brings a wealth of strategic, operational, and diplomatic expertise to his current portfolio, grounded in decades of service in both national and international security arenas.