THE HAGUE – Curaçao and the other Dutch Caribbean islands could gain access to significantly more European Union funding under a proposed overhaul of the EU's Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) program.
According to a report presented to the Dutch Parliament, the European Commission has proposed increasing the OCT budget for the period 2028-2034 to €999 million, nearly double the funding available under the current program.
Of that amount, €425 million would be available to the Dutch and French overseas territories, including Curaçao, Aruba, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba.
The proposed increase reflects growing concern within Europe about climate change, geopolitical instability, energy security, and economic vulnerability in island territories.
The report notes that some members of the European Parliament are pushing for an even larger package. Irish MEP Barry Andrews has proposed increasing the OCT budget from €999 million to €2.08 billion, arguing that island territories face growing climate and economic challenges that justify additional support.
If approved, the funding could support projects in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, climate adaptation, biodiversity protection, transportation and economic development throughout the Dutch Caribbean.