Terlouw retired from active politics at 71 but continued to be active in the public sector as a non-profit director and served on several state commissions and councils on behalf of the government, and worked as a distinguished professor of Literature at the Tilburg University from September 2003 until September 2004. Following his retirement Terlouw continues to be active as a advocate and activist for Social norms, Sustainable development, Animal welfare and for more European integration. Terlouw is known for his abilities as a skillful consensus builder and effective negotiator and continues to comment on political affairs as of .