Eelco Eerenberg plots in zonnebril op weg naar Den Haag

2026-02-19 politiek

Utrecht, donderdag, 19 februari 2026.
Eelco Eerenberg wordt de nieuwe staatssecretaris van Financiën namens D66. Hij volgt Nathalie van Berkel op, die terugtrad vanwege onjuistheden op haar cv. Eerenberg komt direct uit de gemeentepolitiek van Utrecht, waar hij verantwoordelijk was voor ruimtelijke ordening, onderwijs en volksgezondheid. Hij leidde onder meer de aanpak van de woningbouw in Groot Merwede en Leidsche Rijn. Voor zijn carrière in Utrecht was hij wethouder in Enschede, tweemaal uitgeroepen tot beste jonge lokale bestuurder. Zijn aanstelling maakt deel uit van de definitieve vorming van het kabinet-Jetten, dat volgende week wordt beëdigd. Eerenberg wordt intern gezien als een pragmatische probleemoplosser met ruime bestuurlijke ervaring.

replacement after integrity concerns

The appointment of Eelco Eerenberg as the new candidate state secretary for Finance comes shortly after his predecessor, Nathalie van Berkel, withdrew from the position due to inaccuracies in her resume [3]. Van Berkel faced scrutiny after media investigations revealed she misrepresented her educational background online, suggesting completed university degrees she did not finish [7]. Amid parliamentary criticism and pressure, she stepped down, creating urgency for D66 to propose a replacement before the upcoming government inauguration [3][7].

established local leader steps into national role

Eerenberg brings extensive experience from municipal governance, having served as alderman in both Enschede and Utrecht [1]. In Enschede, he managed portfolios including finance and youth affairs between 2014 and 2019 [6]. His performance earned him recognition as ‘Best Young Local Administrator’ twice, in 2016 and 2022, awarded by the specialist magazine Binnenlands Bestuur [1][6]. This background underscores his reputation as a pragmatic problem solver capable of navigating complex administrative landscapes [1].

urban development expertise meets financial policy

Most recently, Eerenberg oversaw urban planning, education, and public health in Utrecht [1]. He played a central role in major housing projects such as Groot Merwede and Leidsche Rijn, overseeing the city’s expansion by 75,000 homes [8]. Developers praised his collaborative approach during the annual PropertyNL Forecast & Awards, citing effective coordination despite challenging market conditions [8]. His leadership also extended to heritage projects, including oversight of the Dom Tower restoration [1].

smooth transition expected ahead of swearing-in

The cabinet led by Rob Jetten is scheduled to be sworn in on February 23, 2026 [6]. With Eerenberg’s nomination confirmed, the coalition aims to finalize preparations without further disruption [1]. According to D66, the team stands ready “full of energy and optimism” to take responsibility and begin governing [6]. Jetten described Eerenberg as intelligent and creative in finding solutions, emphasizing his broad political collaboration skills [5].

Bronnen

D66 Eelco Eerenberg