He was a member of the parliamentary inquiry commission into the high speed train "Fyra" and served as vice-chairman of the standing committee on foreign affairs.

During the 2016 Netherlands European presidency, Van der Steur was the chairman of the Justice and Home Affairs council.

During his presidency the council decided amongst others on the data protection regulation, the roadmap for better cooperation in the fight against terrorism and the firearms directive.

In late 2016, Van der Steur and Rutte came under criticism from opposition lawmakers who accused them of withholding information relating to a settlement prosecutors struck with a drug dealer in 2000.

On 26 January 2017, shortly ahead of the national elections, Van der Steur told the States General he would step down.