On Monday 31 August 2026, former government minister and former leader of the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), Elco Brinkman, passed away at the age of 78 following a short illness. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam was deeply saddened to learn of the death of such a committed and highly valued alumnus.
Brinkman studied both Political Science and Dutch Law at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He was also a member of the Student Corps at VU. After completing his doctoral degree, Brinkman worked as a research fellow in the Department of Public Administration until 1974. He then continued his career outside VU, later going on to play a significant role in Dutch politics.
His connection with VU remained strong throughout his long and distinguished political career. He continued to contribute to the university as a committed alumnus and also served as a member of the Supervisory Board during the 1990s and 2000s. We are grateful to Brinkman for the important contributions he made for our university.
We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, former colleagues and other loved ones, and wish them strength at this difficult time.