About Eelco Heinen
“That mindset goes deeper than being practical: if something breaks, you don’t call a contractor, you fix it yourself. It comes from a deeper belief – personal responsibility.”
Short biography
Eelco Heinen is a Dutch politician (VVD) and the Netherlands’ Minister of Finance, appointed on 2 July 2024 in the Schoof cabinet (currently demissionary). A public finance specialist, he built his career around budgeting and economic policy, first at the Ministry of Finance (including the Inspectorate of the Budget), then for a decade as a senior finance adviser, head of policy and political secretary within the VVD parliamentary group. He served as a Member of the House of Representatives from 2021 until his ministerial appointment in 2024. In early February 2026, VVD leader Dilan Yeşilgöz stated that Heinen is expected to remain Minister of Finance in the next cabinet.
Personal details
Name: Eelco Heinen
Year of birth: 1981
Current Position
2024 — Minister of Finance, the Netherlands (caretaker/demissionary cabinet)
2025 — Member of the House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer)
Previous Positions
2021–2024 — Member of the House of Representatives (VVD), spokesperson on finance
2011–2021 — Head of policy / political secretary and finance policy adviser, VVD parliamentary group
2008–2011 — Inspectorate of the Budget, Ministry of Finance
Education
MSc in Economics (Macroeconomics), University of Amsterdam (2005–2007)
MSc in Political Science (International Relations), University of Amsterdam (2006–2007)
BSc in Economics (General Economics), University of Amsterdam (2002–2005)
Fun fact
He’s genuinely happiest “working with his hands” outside of the political week: he’s a keen DIY-er and gardener, and he describes himself as naturally frugal – more of a saver than a spender.
Last updated 10 February 2026
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