Dear Colleagues, Dr. Rob Blokzijl, founding member and Chair of RIPE (Réseaux IP Européens), was made an Officer in the Order of Orange Nassau (Orde van Oranje Nassau) in an official ceremony conducted by the acting Mayor of Amsterdam, Lodewijk Asscher, on 12 May 2010. In the official ceremony, Dr. Blokzijl was recognised for his outstanding leadership and contribution to the development of the Internet over the last 20 years, for his international reputation as an Internet pioneer and as one of the key figures in the European Internet. Over the past two decades, Dr. Blokzijl has established a global reputation as a leader and a pioneer, respected for his work with many organisations including RIPE, the RIPE NCC, AMS-IX, ICANN, Nominet, the National Institute for Subatomic Physics (NIKHEF) and NATO. Through his technical expertise, leadership and global influence, Dr. Blokzijl’s tireless work has had a profound impact on the development of the Internet. We are delighted to announce that Dr. Blokzijl’s leadership, vision and continued hard work has been recognised and rewarded with one of the greatest honours that can be bestowed in the Netherlands. Regards, Axel Pawlik Managing Director RIPE NCC