WILLEMSTAD – The Council of Ministers has decided to observe a short recess period during the month of June. A recess is a prearranged period during which no meetings of the Council of Ministers are held. This allows ministers additional time and flexibility to focus on matters within their respective ministries.
It is important to emphasize that the government will continue to function normally during the recess. In urgent cases, decisions can still be taken through the existing “decision by document” procedure. Under this process, proposals and all necessary supporting documents are circulated among ministers, who can provide written approval to reach a majority decision.
The recess period should not be viewed as a vacation period. However, individual ministers may choose to take leave during this time in consultation with the government. If a minister takes leave, he or she will be temporarily replaced by an appointed acting minister.
The recess will begin on June 4, 2026, meaning that the last scheduled meeting of the Council of Ministers will take place on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. The first meeting after the recess is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
Because the Council of Ministers will be in recess, it is important that both the public and government institutions are informed of the arrangement. Civil servants are also encouraged to familiarize themselves with the procedures for decision-making before and during the recess period. This allows ministries to prepare in advance and ensure that important proposals requiring approval from the Council of Ministers are submitted and handled in a timely manner.