WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao government has formally recorded its positions on several international agreements and policy matters that were discussed during the Kingdom Council of Ministers meeting of June 26, 2026.
The Council of Ministers approved the documentation of previously adopted instructions given to Curaçao’s Minister Plenipotentiary in preparation for the Kingdom-level discussions. The issues covered a wide range of topics, including international cooperation, cybersecurity, labor rights, maritime borders and national security legislation.
One of the subjects concerned the Netherlands’ priorities during its presidency of the Council of Europe. The Council of Europe is an international organization focused on human rights, democracy and the rule of law, separate from the European Union.
The instructions also addressed a treaty concerning the recognition of a safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental principle and right at work. The agreement relates to international labor standards and the protection of workers.
Another issue involved the maritime boundary treaty between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Saint Kitts and Nevis. The agreement, signed in Basseterre on April 4, 2024, establishes arrangements regarding maritime boundaries between the two countries.
The government also discussed international cybersecurity cooperation. The instructions included the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, which aims to strengthen cooperation between countries in combating crimes committed through information and communication technology systems and in sharing electronic evidence related to serious crimes.
Cybercrime cooperation has become an increasing priority internationally as governments seek stronger mechanisms to address digital offenses, including cross-border investigations and evidence exchange. The Council of Europe has also continued developing international frameworks in this area, including cooperation mechanisms under its cybercrime conventions.
The Kingdom Council discussions also included the Council of Europe Convention on the protection of the legal profession, signed in Luxembourg on May 13, 2025. The convention focuses on safeguarding the independence and proper functioning of lawyers and legal professionals.
A final matter concerned a proposal to withdraw the Kingdom law of February 10, 2017, which introduced rules allowing the withdrawal of Dutch nationality in the interest of national security and amended legislation governing intelligence and security services.
The Council of Ministers’ decision does not itself approve or implement these international agreements but confirms Curaçao’s position and instructions within the Kingdom framework.
As a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Curaçao participates in international affairs through the Kingdom structure. While the Kingdom is responsible for foreign affairs and international treaties, Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten are involved in matters that affect their interests and are represented through the Kingdom Council of Ministers.
The recorded instructions provide the basis for Curaçao’s participation in discussions and decision-making at the Kingdom level on these international issues.