BRUSSELS – Curaçao and the other Caribbean islands within the Kingdom of the Netherlands are facing the same climate, energy and economic challenges as islands in Europe and should therefore receive similar support and investment, according to Dutch Member of the European Parliament Marit Maij.
Maij made the remarks after the European Commission unveiled a new strategy aimed at supporting islands and coastal regions throughout Europe.
According to the MEP, the strategy focuses on issues such as climate adaptation, poverty reduction and improving connections between islands and mainland regions. However, she argues that the Caribbean islands have been left out despite facing identical concerns.
“Climate change, the international energy crisis, economic development and pressure on social well-being affect the Caribbean parts of our Kingdom just as much,” Maij said.
She noted that Curaçao, Aruba, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba all face growing risks from climate change, while also dealing with challenges related to economic diversification, energy security and sustainable development.
Maij believes the islands need additional support and investment to prepare for extreme weather, strengthen their economies and build a secure future for residents.
The issue is particularly relevant for Curaçao, where government officials have repeatedly emphasized the need for greater access to international funding and programs aimed at climate resilience, renewable energy development and economic growth.
The debate also comes as Caribbean islands continue to confront the effects of global warming, including rising sea levels, coastal erosion, stronger storms and increasing pressure on critical infrastructure.
According to Maij, failing to include the Caribbean territories in the new strategy overlooks the reality that island communities on both sides of the Atlantic are dealing with many of the same challenges and require similar levels of support to address them.