Dirk Beljaarts served as Minister of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands in the Schoof Cabinet, responsible for macroeconomic policy, the Dutch business climate, digital economy, consumer protection, telecommunications and postal legislation, and space policy. In Brussels, he represented the Netherlands at the Competitiveness Council, the Telecom Council, and the General Affairs Council on Cohesion Policy. He founded the European Semiconductor Coalition, growing it from a single nation to 27 EU member states, aiming to realize the complete semiconductor value chain on European soil, ensuring strategic autonomy and technological sovereignty.

Prior to his ministerial role, he served as CEO of Koninklijke Horeca Nederland (KHN), the royal national trade association representing over 20,000 hospitality businesses, where he led sector-wide negotiations and represented the industry at the highest political and economic levels.

His career and heart are rooted in international hotel strategy, having served as General Manager of large properties for international hotel chains across Europe. He also served on the board of HOTREC, the umbrella association of hotels, restaurants and cafés in Europe.