THE HAGUE - The Dutch House of Representatives has raised a series of pointed questions about the 2026 budget for Kingdom Relations and the BES Fund, highlighting pressing issues for Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and the Caribbean Netherlands.
The Permanent Committee for Kingdom Relations submitted a list of inquiries to the Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, seeking clarification on topics ranging from justice and security to financial accountability and infrastructure.
Among the key issues raised is the improvement of banking services on the islands, which continue to face criticism for limited access, high costs, and insufficient integration into the wider financial system. Members of Parliament want to know how the Dutch government plans to ensure reliable and modern financial services across the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom.
Justice and law enforcement capacity are also under the spotlight. Questions were asked about whether investments in criminal investigation, prosecution, and adjudication are under threat due to persistent capacity shortages. Parliamentarians specifically sought clarification on a budget shift of €950,000 in 2026 under “Recherche capaciteit” (investigation capacity), wondering if this represents a hidden cut in resources.
Concerns were also voiced about detention facilities. While the ministry has previously acknowledged the urgent need for investment, MPs noted that since 2024 spending on “Detentie – Algemeen” has been decreasing year-on-year. They demanded explanations on how promised improvements in prison conditions will actually be funded.
Governance and accountability issues also emerged. Questions focused on how the Netherlands intends to address the backlog of annual accounts from the autonomous countries. Financial transparency remains a recurring problem, and Parliament is seeking concrete measures to prevent delays that undermine fiscal oversight.
Other issues included whether crimes committed by public officials fall under the long-term anti-undermining strategy, how the partnership between the Dutch Fiscal Intelligence and Investigation Service (FIOD) and its Aruban counterpart (FIOT) will intensify the fight against tax fraud, and whether the current staffing levels of the Royal Marechaussee for border control are sufficient.
On infrastructure, MPs specifically asked about the planned €10 million earmarked for Saba’s harbor in 2026, pressing for details on how the funds will be spent and what consequences follow if conditions for special allocations are not met.
The answers from the Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations will determine how these funds are allocated and whether reforms will effectively address long-standing concerns in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.
The final report is expected in March 2026, when decisions will be made on whether the financial arrangements and reforms should continue, be adjusted, or phased out.
