Dilan Yesilgöz-Zegerius, a Kurdish-origin politician whose family hails from the Dersim region of northern Kurdistan (Turkey), has assumed office as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the Netherlands, a development widely described as historic by observers across Europe and within Kurdish communities.

Her appointment places a Kurdish woman in one of the highest decision-making positions within a European Union member state, marking a rare milestone in EU politics. Analysts say the move reflects both Yesilgöz’s rapid political rise in the Netherlands and the growing visibility of Kurdish representation in senior European governance.

Yesilgöz has spoken publicly on multiple occasions about her Kurdish background and has maintained a visible engagement with Kurdish-related issues throughout her political career. During periods of heightened conflict affecting Kurdish regions, she has taken firm public positions calling for an end to violence and urging greater international responsibility.

In international forums, Yesilgöz has emphasized that Kurdish communities should not be left to confront aggression alone, pointing to their frontline role in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS). She has repeatedly highlighted the significant sacrifices made by Kurdish forces in countering the group, describing their efforts as central to global security and humanitarian protection.

Her statements have often linked the Netherlands’ role in the international anti-ISIS coalition with the need to support local forces combating extremism on the ground. With her appointment to lead the Dutch Ministry of Defense, analysts note that a Kurdish voice will now be present at the highest levels of Western security and defense policymaking.

Confirming her new role on February 5 via her account on X, Yesilgöz said she would serve as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense following internal party deliberations. She described the appointment as “a great honor and a privilege,” stressing that freedom and security cannot be taken for granted.

“In the coming period, I look forward to building a country that stands strong on its own two feet, can protect itself against the threats of today and tomorrow, and to being responsible for the men and women who defend our country and our freedom every day,” she wrote.

Yesilgöz’s appointment is being closely followed across Europe and the Middle East, particularly among Kurdish communities, where it is seen as a symbol of shifting representation and influence within Western political and security institutions.

She has previously engaged directly with the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. In May 2022, while serving as the Netherlands’ minister responsible for justice and security, Yesilgöz visited Erbil and met with Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani. According to official statements at the time, the talks focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in justice, rule of law, and institutional capacity-building.

The discussions also underscored the importance of continued Dutch and international support for the Kurdistan Region in the fight against ISIS. Both sides agreed on expanding assistance for survivors of the group’s crimes, with the aim of ensuring accountability, delivering justice to victims, and improving living conditions—issues that observers say could gain renewed attention under Yesilgöz’s leadership at the Ministry of Defense.