THE HAGUE – The Dutch government says it will continue pushing for stronger European Union investment in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom as negotiations continue on a new framework for Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), which include Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten.
In written answers to questions from members of the Dutch House of Representatives, State Secretary for Kingdom Relations Eric van der Burg explained how the Netherlands is preparing for a revised EU decision governing cooperation with the OCTs.
The new framework is part of negotiations on the EU’s next multiannual financial program for the period after 2027. According to the government, the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom are seen as strategically important partners for the European Union, particularly in areas such as climate policy, digital connectivity, education and tourism.
Under the current EU budget cycle for 2021–2027, the Caribbean OCTs have access to roughly €52.1 million in funding allocated through territorial envelopes. Dutch officials expect that the full amount will eventually be used, although projects are progressing at different speeds.
For the upcoming period, the European Commission has proposed a significant increase in funding for the OCTs. The combined budget for Dutch and French overseas territories could reach around €425 million, though the exact distribution between the islands has not yet been determined.
The Dutch government says it will advocate for transparent criteria and fair allocation so that the Caribbean islands within the Kingdom receive an appropriate share of the funds.
Officials also stress the importance of aligning project proposals with long-term development strategies on each island. The Caribbean territories themselves will submit project plans to the European Commission, while the Netherlands will assist where necessary.
Regional cooperation between islands will also remain possible. The new framework allows OCTs to jointly submit projects for EU funding, a mechanism that the European Commission actively encourages.
The discussions also highlight the growing geopolitical importance of the Caribbean region, particularly in light of developments in neighboring Venezuela. The Dutch government says it will continue emphasizing the strategic value of EU investment in the Caribbean during negotiations with Brussels.
The proposed changes to the OCT framework are still under negotiation at the European level, and final decisions on the funding structure and allocation are expected as part of broader EU budget talks in the coming years.