Gijs de Vries
Gijs de Vries
Biography of a Dutch Politician and Public Servant
Full Name and Common Aliases
Gijsbert Nicolaas Adriaan de Vries is commonly known as Gijs de Vries. He was also referred to as "The Netherlands' Chief Counter-Terrorism Coordinator".
Birth and Death Dates
Born on August 18, 1961, in The Hague, Netherlands. No information available regarding his passing date.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Gijs de Vries holds Dutch nationality. Throughout his career, he has served as a politician, public servant, and official in various capacities.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in the Netherlands, de Vries' interest in politics was evident from an early age. His family background played a significant role in shaping his future endeavors. Gijs de Vries attended Leiden University, where he studied law and later earned his degree in 1991.
Major Accomplishments
De Vries began his career in the Dutch Ministry of Justice, focusing on counter-terrorism.
He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Netherlands from 2003 to 2010, focusing on foreign affairs and national security.
* In 2004, de Vries was appointed as the European Union's Chief Counter-Terrorism Coordinator by the then-European Commissioner for Justice, Freedom, and Security.
Notable Works or Actions
De Vries' "Counter Terrorism Strategy" aimed at strengthening cooperation between EU member states in combating terrorism. His efforts led to increased collaboration among law enforcement agencies across Europe. He also played a crucial role in developing policies addressing radicalization and prevention of violent extremism.
Impact and Legacy
Gijs de Vries' contributions to European counter-terrorism policies have had lasting impacts on global security measures. His expertise has been sought by international organizations such as the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). As a respected figure, he continues to influence discussions around counter-terrorism strategies.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Gijs de Vries is widely recognized for his tireless efforts to combat terrorism. His leadership in promoting international cooperation has made him a sought-after voice on issues related to national security and global stability. As a result, he is frequently quoted by media outlets, policymakers, and experts in the field of counter-terrorism.
This biography provides insight into Gijs de Vries' remarkable career as a Dutch politician, public servant, and European Union official. His contributions to combating terrorism have left an indelible mark on global security measures.
Quotes by Gijs de Vries
The violent radicals do not legitimately represent the overwhelming majority of the world’s Muslims.
Terrorists have failed in what is arguably al Qaida’s most important objective – to trigger revolutions.
The majority of the world’s Muslims do not believe that terrorism is a legitimate strategy or that Islam is incompatible with democracy.
It’s important that we work very closely with moderate Muslim forces locally, nationally and internationally.
You can’t get closer to the heart of national sovereignty than national security and intelligence services.
I have never come across a technology that doesn’t change. This is inevitable. You have to adapt your systems as technology develops.
Police forces collect information to be used in a public court to get people convicted. Security services gather information that does not necessarily lead to people being prosecuted and in many cases needs to remain confidential.
We remain vulnerable.There is no such thing as 100 percent security against terrorism.