WILLEMSTAD – The Council of Ministers of Curaçao has initiated formal discussions with Dutch State Secretary for Kingdom Relations Zsolt Szabó (PVV) regarding the expiration of state guarantees on several loans. The talks mark the beginning of a process in which Curaçao must begin repaying the loans it previously secured under Dutch guarantees. 

According to a government statement, the initial talks focused on identifying the necessary steps for repayment. “Discussions are currently underway, and the matter will soon be further addressed at the civil service level,” the government said. 

During the meeting, the two sides also discussed the future of the so-called "Landspakket" (Country Package)—a series of reforms and support measures—which is set to expire in 2027. Both Curaçao and the Netherlands expressed interest in exploring how cooperation on key and ongoing topics could continue beyond that deadline. 

Another key subject on the agenda was the development of a value chain for the production and distribution of green hydrogen. The government acknowledged the strategic importance of the project but also emphasized its high cost. “Over the coming period, we need to determine how to proceed, especially as governments explore options for funding. It remains a major challenge, and a decision will need to be made soon on how to move forward,” the Council of Ministers stated. Follow-up discussions on this topic are scheduled in two weeks with Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs Dirk Beljaarts. 

The meeting also touched on several geopolitical matters, with both sides reaffirming the importance of ongoing communication within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. State Secretary Szabó expressed his willingness to support Curaçao’s civil service in these areas.