In 2021, Derk Walters joined the editorial board of NRC, where he took on a more strategic role in shaping the newspaper's editorial direction. His extensive experience in international journalism and deep understanding of global issues made him a valuable asset to the board.

Derk Walters was honored with the prestigious De Tegel award in 2020 for his outstanding international reporting. His work was recognized for its depth, accuracy, and the ability to convey complex international issues to a Dutch audience.

In 2019, Derk Walters published a book detailing his experiences and insights gained during his time as a correspondent in Israel. The book was well-received for its balanced perspective and deep dive into the challenges of reporting from a conflict zone.

After his tenure in Israel, Derk Walters returned to the Netherlands in 2018. He resumed his role at NRC, focusing on international reporting and contributing to the paper's global coverage. His experience in the Middle East continued to inform his insightful analyses and reports.

In 2017, Derk Walters faced a significant challenge when the Israeli government declined to renew his press visa, citing alleged bias in his reporting. This incident sparked discussions on press freedom and highlighted the difficulties faced by foreign correspondents in politically sensitive regions.

In 2014, Derk Walters was appointed as the NRC correspondent in Israel, where he covered a wide range of topics including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, regional politics, and social issues. His reporting provided Dutch readers with a nuanced view of the complexities in the Middle East.

Derk Walters began his career at NRC Handelsblad, one of the leading newspapers in the Netherlands. His early work focused on domestic issues, where he quickly established himself as a diligent and insightful reporter, contributing to the paper's reputation for quality journalism.