Ellen has served as Head of Administration and Consular Affairs at the European Union Delegation to the State of Kuwait, but titles alone don’t begin to capture who she is. In just two years, she became one of the most well-known and well-loved faces in Kuwait. That says a lot about the kind of person she is – kind, genuine, witty, and full of life. She’s the type of person who walks into a room and immediately makes people feel at ease. Her energy lights up every room she enters. With her warmth and sharp sense of humor, Ellen formed deep friendships across the diplomatic and local communities.

She embraced people with open arms, showing up not just to official events but to personal moments, birthdays, farewells, and simple coffee catch-ups. Always with a smile, and always fully present. Having dedicated around 40 years of her life to serving her country, the Netherlands and the European Union, Ellen brought with her a lifetime of experience, but she wore it lightly.

There has never been anything stiff or formal about her. She is open, fun, and remarkably down to earth. And that’s what made her so beloved. She connected with people not through protocol or status, but through her heart. As she now prepares for her next chapter, her departure leaves a gap that won’t easily be filled. She has been a colleague, a friend, and a bright presence in so many people’s lives. To Ellen, thank you for the laughter, the warmth, and the countless shared moments. We will miss you dearly. But wherever you go next, they are truly lucky to have you.