URGENT UPDATE: Hans de Bruijn, a pivotal figure in the Brussels media landscape, has died at the age of 75. De Bruijn, who passed away in November 2023, served as the secretary general of the International Press Association (API-IPA) since 2013. His death marks a significant loss for the international journalism community in Belgium.
Tributes have poured in following the announcement of de Bruijn’s passing. Catherine Feore, vice-president of API, expressed her sorrow, stating, “Hans was such a decent and kind person. After a full and impressive career as a journalist, he took on the role of secretary general of the International Press Association. When others would have been happy to put their feet up, Hans was very much committed to fighting the corner and achieving the best outcomes for journalists.”
The API-IPA released a heartfelt statement highlighting his “quiet, patient, and unwavering commitment” to the organization during a courageous battle with illness. The statement noted, “More than a secretary general, Hans was a dear friend to so many of us. His dedication to API-IPA was boundless, lasting until the very end of his battle with illness.”
Born in The Hague in 1950, de Bruijn had a distinguished career as a correspondent in both Brussels and Washington. He became API vice-president in 2011 after a remarkable 37-year tenure with the Netherlands Press Association (GPD). His efforts in advocating for foreign correspondents were invaluable, especially as he led initiatives like the API’s 50th-anniversary celebration in July 2023, despite his health challenges.
API-IPA’s statement further emphasized his unique ability to foster collaboration, saying, “Hans held clear views on how to move our API forward, yet he always listened and consistently forged compromises in the interest of Brussels’ entire international press corps—members and non-members alike. This made him a deeply respected interlocutor in relations with the EU institutions, NATO, and the Belgian authorities.”
De Bruijn’s impact extended beyond his professional achievements. He was known for making the correspondents’ community “both stronger and kinder.” The organization urged its members to keep de Bruijn’s wife, Elianne, and their family in their thoughts during this difficult time.
A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, December 6, 2023, at 3 PM in the Eikenveld hall of Begrafenissen Pues in Herent. His legacy of kindness, professionalism, and dedication to journalism will be profoundly missed.
As the journalism community mourns, de Bruijn’s contributions to the industry will be remembered and celebrated by those he inspired and supported throughout his career.
