Lily Sprangers
March 27, 1956 – October 29, 2024
On April 26, 2024, 43 citizens of Amsterdam received royal honours from Mayor Femke Halsema. Only three were granted the highest distinction, among them Lily Sprangers, who was appointed ‘Officier in de Orde van Oranje Nassau’.
Lily earned this title through her exceptional dedication as Director of the Netherlands Atlantic Association, Director of the ‘Duitsland Instituut’, Director of the ‘Turkije Instituut’, and Manager of the LeidenAsiaCentre. Alongside these roles, she also supported the JASON Institute, helping this unique student and young professional organisation thrive and prepare for its 50th anniversary in 2025.
Lily’s recognition was more than deserved; she brought the world to the Netherlands and encouraged her fellow citizens to see their country through an open, global lens. Her drive to foster understanding of countries like China and Türkiye spoke to her deep commitment of improving international relations. She was loved and respected by all with whom she worked.
Lily began her career after studying history at the University of Amsterdam, entering the then mostly male environment of the Ministry of Defense in The Hague. She soon became a prominent figure and an inspiring leader for those pursuing international careers. Her humour and tireless commitment made her a pioneer in addressing and tackling the most sensitive aspects of international politics.
During her time as director of the Netherlands Atlantic Association between 1990-1996, she successfully led the institute through the significant economic and political reforms of its time. Her next challenge was at the ‘Duitsland Instituut’, which she transformed into a successful platform for German Dutch cooperation and dialogue. Under her leadership, the institute grew to over 25 staff members and contributed significantly to fostering a positive image of Germany in the Netherlands, particularly through educational initiatives. She took on another complex theme as Director of the ‘Turkije Instituut’. Lily ambitiously helped in raising awareness of issues related to Türkiye in the Netherlands, despite the political and financial challenges that eventually led to the institute’s closure. Later, her work focused on Asia, particularly China. “I didn’t know much about Asia, but I sensed there was too little attention given to it,” she once said. She foresaw the geopolitical challenges that would arise from tensions between Western countries and China’s growing influence, a dynamic marked by economic dependency and political tension.
In her later years, Lily spoke openly about the growing difficulties in international cooperation. She warned of vulnerabilities this division created, especially in relation to Chinese cyber threats and data espionage. While initially optimistic about cooperation with China, she expressed a more “cynical view” in a radio interview in 2021 on countries’ ability to “rise above their own shadows”. Yet, she continued to advocate for dialogue with China: China is too big to ignore.
Lily passed away on October 29th, 2024. We remember this exceptional woman with deep gratitude, and our thoughts are with her loved ones in this time of loss.
Rio Praaning Prawira Adiningrat On behalf of the JASON Executive Board
Co-founder of the JASON Institute Dennis van Eck van der Sluijs
Chair of the JASON Institute