Kris Van Dijck is a Belgian politician affiliated with the New Flemish Alliance (N-VA) party. He currently serves as a member of the European Parliament (MEP) and is an influential figure within the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group. With a distinguished political career both locally and nationally, Van Dijck has built a reputation as a leader in Flemish politics, balancing his European and local responsibilities.
Current Role
- Member of the European Parliament (MEP):
Van Dijck was elected as an MEP in 2024. In his current role, he is actively involved in key legislative work within the European Parliament.- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE):
As a member of this committee, Van Dijck participates in discussions and decisions related to industrial policies, research advancements, and energy strategies across the European Union. - Vice-Chair of the Delegation for Relations with Australia and New Zealand (DANZ):
Van Dijck also serves as Vice-Chair of the DANZ delegation, contributing to strengthening and fostering relations between the European Parliament and the governments of Australia and New Zealand.
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE):
- Mayor of Dessel: Van Dijck has been serving as the mayor of Dessel since 2007, a position he previously held from 1995 to 2000. Under his leadership, Dessel has seen significant local development, and his tenure as mayor has been marked by efforts to improve the municipality’s governance and public services.
Key Achievements
- Leadership in Flemish Politics:
- Van Dijck served as the Chairman of the N-VA group in the Flemish Parliament from 2004 to 2006 and again from 2009 to 2012. During this time, he played a key role in shaping the party’s policies and advancing its goals within the Flemish regional legislature.
- He also held the position of Temporary President of the Flemish Parliament in 2019, further cementing his influence within the regional political landscape.
- Local Governance:
- As mayor of Dessel, Van Dijck has successfully led the N-VA to secure a majority in local elections multiple times. His leadership has contributed to the N-VA’s prominence in the local political scene, where he has emphasized efficient governance and community engagement.
- Committee Work and International Relations:
- As Vice-Chair of the DANZ delegation, Van Dijck is instrumental in fostering diplomatic and economic ties between the European Parliament and the nations of Australia and New Zealand. This role involves facilitating cooperation on a variety of issues, including trade, climate change, and regional security.
Political Party and Country
- Political Party:
Van Dijck is a member of the Nieuw-Vlaamse Alliantie (N-VA), a right-wing, pro-independence political party in Belgium. The N-VA advocates for the interests of the Dutch-speaking Flemish community and promotes regional autonomy within Belgium. The party is aligned with conservative, free-market principles and has a strong presence in both regional and federal politics. - Country:
Van Dijck represents Belgium in the European Parliament. Belgium, a founding member of the European Union, plays a crucial role in European governance, with its political landscape marked by linguistic and regional divides, with Dutch-speaking Flanders being the largest region.
Personal Background
Birthdate and Birthplace
- Birthdate: October 2, 1963
- Birthplace: Turnhout, Belgium
Education and Qualifications
- Secondary Education: Completed at the Sint-Pietersinstituut in Turnhout.
- Diploma in Humanities: Received in 1983.
- Diploma of Teacher: Obtained from the Vrije Normaalschool in Wijnegem in 1987.
Professional Career Before Entering Politics
- Teacher: Worked as a teacher from 1988 to 1995 before fully transitioning into politics.
- Early Political Involvement:
- Joined the Volksunie party in 1979.
- Actively participated in local politics.
- Held roles in student organizations such as:
- Vlaams Scholieren Verbond
- Katholiek Vlaams Hoogstudentenverbond Antwerpen
Family Details
- Marital Status:
There is no specified information available regarding Kris VAN DIJCK’s marital status in the public domain. - Children:
No specific information about whether Kris VAN DIJCK has children is available from the available search results. - Spouse:
No detailed information regarding Kris VAN DIJCK’s spouse is provided in the public domain.
Political Career of Kris Van Dijck
Entry into Politics
- Early Involvement: Kris Van Dijck began his political journey by joining the Volksunie party in 1979, which marked the start of his engagement in Belgian politics.
- First Elected Office: His first foray into elected office came in 1989 when he was elected to the Municipal Council of Dessel. Shortly after, he assumed the role of alderman, marking his early contributions to local governance.
Milestones in Political Journey
- Member of the Flemish Parliament: Van Dijck was elected to the Flemish Parliament in 1995. He has been re-elected consistently ever since, serving for over two decades and becoming a prominent figure in regional politics.
- Floor Leader for N-VA: Van Dijck served as the Floor Leader for the New Flemish Alliance (N-VA) from 2004 to 2006 and again from 2009 to 2012, a key role that positioned him as a leading voice for his party in the Flemish Parliament.
- Mayor of Dessel: Van Dijck served as the Mayor of Dessel for two non-consecutive terms: first from 1995 to 2000 and then from 2007 onwards. His leadership in local governance has been a significant aspect of his political career.
- Temporary President of the Flemish Parliament: In 2019, he briefly held the position of Temporary President of the Flemish Parliament. However, he resigned from this role due to personal issues.
- Member of the European Parliament: In 2024, Van Dijck reached a new milestone in his political career by being elected to the European Parliament, marking the beginning of his involvement in European-level politics.
Key Roles Held
- Committee Memberships:
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): Van Dijck served as a member of this committee, focusing on key sectors such as industry and energy within the European Parliament.
- Committee on International Trade: He was a substitute member of this committee, contributing to discussions on international trade policies.
- Committee on Transport and Tourism: Van Dijck also served as a substitute member of this committee, dealing with transport and tourism issues at the European level.
- Delegations:
- Delegation for Relations with Australia and New Zealand (DANZ): Van Dijck was appointed Vice-Chair of this delegation, responsible for fostering relations between the European Parliament and these countries.
- Leadership Positions:
- Chairman of the N-VA Group: He held the position of Chairman of the N-VA Group in the Flemish Parliament from 2004 to 2006 and again from 2009 to 2012. This role was crucial in shaping the party’s stance and activities within the Flemish Parliament.
- Chairman of the Interior Affairs, Equal Rights and Inclusion Committee: In the Flemish Parliament, Van Dijck also served as the Chairman of the Committee on Interior Affairs, Equal Rights, and Inclusion, overseeing crucial issues related to social justice and governance.
Ministerial Roles
- Ministerial Roles: Although Kris Van Dijck has not held any ministerial positions throughout his career, his political influence has been significant at both the local and regional levels. His leadership roles in the Flemish Parliament and as Mayor of Dessel highlight his key involvement in governance, though he has not assumed a ministerial office.
Current Role in the European Parliament
Kris Van Dijck holds several important roles in the European Parliament, where he contributes significantly to various committees and delegations:
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): Full Member
Van Dijck is actively involved in shaping policies related to industry, research, and energy, with a particular focus on enhancing the EU’s competitiveness - Delegation for relations with Australia and New Zealand (DANZ): Vice-Chair
In this capacity, he works on fostering and strengthening relations between the EU and the countries of Australia and New Zealand. - Committee on International Trade: Substitute Member
As a substitute member, Van Dijck contributes to the discussions and decisions on international trade policies and agreements. - Committee on Transport and Tourism: Substitute Member
His role as a substitute member allows him to engage in discussions surrounding the transport and tourism sectors within the EU.
Specific Responsibilities and Areas of Focus
Kris Van Dijck’s work in the European Parliament is centered on several key areas:
- Industry and Energy Policy:
He focuses on policies that enhance the EU’s competitiveness, particularly in the industrial and energy sectors. His contributions aim to ensure that the EU maintains a strong competitive edge globally, especially in industries critical to economic growth. - International Relations:
Van Dijck plays a key role in maintaining and developing EU relations with Australia and New Zealand, ensuring that these international ties remain strong and beneficial for both sides. - Trade Agreements:
Van Dijck is a strong proponent of trade agreements that open up new markets and enhance the EU’s competitiveness. Notably, he supports the EU-Mercosur trade deal, seeing it as an opportunity to expand market access for Flemish companies and strengthen the EU’s position against American and Asian competitors.
Legislative Initiatives or Contributions
Kris Van Dijck has been involved in several important legislative discussions and contributions:
- Topical Debates:
Van Dijck has participated in key debates on restoring the EU’s competitive edge and the potential impact of Green Deal policies on various sectors. - EU Strategy for Nuclear Fusion:
He has contributed to the development of the EU’s strategy on nuclear fusion, emphasizing its role in advancing energy technologies and securing a sustainable energy future for the EU. - Budapest Declaration:
Van Dijck engaged in discussions on the New European Competitiveness Deal, focusing on the future of farming and manufacturing sectors in the EU, aiming to enhance their sustainability and competitiveness.
Positions on Key Policies
Kris Van Dijck has been involved in several key policy areas, although his positions on some issues are less explicitly detailed:
- Climate Change:
While specific details are not available, Van Dijck’s involvement in the ITRE committee likely means that he participates in discussions on energy policies aimed at sustainability and combating climate change. His focus on energy security may intersect with climate-related issues, particularly regarding the transition to renewable energy. - Trade:
Van Dijck is a staunch supporter of trade agreements that benefit European competitiveness and open up new markets. He advocates for deals like the EU-Mercosur agreement, which he believes will provide significant advantages for European businesses, particularly in accessing Latin American markets. - Digitalization:
While not explicitly mentioned in the available information, Van Dijck’s role in the ITRE committee suggests that he is likely involved in discussions about digital technologies and their impact on the European economy and society. - Human Rights:
There is no specific information regarding his stance on human rights issues, although his role in international relations and trade could suggest a broader engagement with these topics in the context of EU diplomacy and agreements. - Energy Security:
Van Dijck advocates for policies that strengthen energy security within the EU. This includes ensuring a competitive and sustainable energy landscape that can withstand global challenges and foster long-term energy independence for Europe.