diff --git a/src/fiber_package/groups/committees/committee.py b/src/fiber_package/groups/committees/committee.py
index 7d9786f..317e668 100644
--- a/src/fiber_package/groups/committees/committee.py
+++ b/src/fiber_package/groups/committees/committee.py
@@ -15,8 +15,8 @@ An edition is a definite group of members with functions and a timespan.
 class CommitteeModel(BaseModel):
     full_name_EN: str
     full_name_NL: str
-    description_EN: str
-    description_NL: str
+    description_EN: str = ""
+    description_NL: str = ""
     committee_type: CommitteeType
 
     active: bool = True