WILLEMSTAD – President of the Curaçao Parliament Fergino Brownbill participated in the 17th Ordinary Plenary Session of the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly (EuroLat), held in Tenerife, Spain, from October 26 to 29, 2026. The working visit focused on strengthening parliamentary cooperation, maintaining international relationships, and addressing shared challenges affecting Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
During the four-day visit, Brownbill participated in discussions on international cooperation, trade, environmental protection, security, artificial intelligence, and human rights. He also chaired a separate meeting with his parliamentary counterparts from Aruba and Sint Maarten.
Brownbill during the meeting
According to a report on his participation, Brownbill considers continued international engagement essential as Curaçao and other countries in the region face increasingly complex economic, political, and technological developments.
Parliamentary Leaders of Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten Discuss Closer Cooperation
On the morning of Monday, October 26, Brownbill chaired the annual tripartite meeting with the presidents of the Parliaments of Aruba and Sint Maarten.
The three parliamentary leaders exchanged experiences and discussed ways to strengthen their respective institutions.
Among the subjects addressed were institutional cooperation, the effectiveness of parliamentary operations, and the responsibility of Parliament in overseeing government budgets.
Budgetary oversight was identified as an important area of discussion, reflecting the role of elected representatives in monitoring public expenditure and holding governments accountable for financial decisions.
The meeting resulted in concrete proposals that each parliamentary president intends to present within their respective Parliament.
The objective is to further strengthen cooperation among the three parliamentary institutions and improve the exchange of knowledge and experience.
Although the report did not provide details of the individual proposals, it indicated that the parliamentary leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining closer institutional ties.
Artificial Intelligence, Security and Trade on EuroLat Agenda
From October 27 through October 29, Brownbill attended various activities organized as part of the EuroLat plenary session.
The assembly brought together parliamentarians from Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean to discuss issues of common interest and explore opportunities for cooperation.
Among the subjects addressed were international relations, economic and trade cooperation, environmental challenges, security, artificial intelligence, and the protection of human rights.
The inclusion of artificial intelligence on the agenda reflected the growing importance of technological developments in public administration, economic activity, and society.
Environmental protection and security were also among the issues discussed, alongside opportunities to strengthen international partnerships.
Representing the Curaçao Parliament, Brownbill engaged in discussions with fellow parliamentarians and EuroLat members.
These exchanges were intended to maintain contacts with parliamentary representatives from other countries and strengthen Curaçao's participation in international dialogue.
Brownbill emphasized the importance of remaining connected with international partners, particularly in light of developments affecting the Caribbean region and the wider world.
According to the parliamentary report, cooperation and regular communication are essential for addressing emerging challenges that extend beyond national borders.
Curaçao Seeks to Maintain International Parliamentary Connections
Participation in EuroLat provided Curaçao with an opportunity to engage in discussions involving European and Latin American parliamentary representatives.
The assembly serves as a platform for dialogue on matters affecting both regions, allowing parliamentarians to exchange perspectives on shared economic, political, environmental, and social challenges.
For Curaçao, maintaining these connections is considered important because developments in international trade, regional security, environmental policy, and technology can also affect the island.
During the meetings, Brownbill focused on maintaining relationships with other parliamentary representatives and encouraging continued cooperation.
The report did not identify any formal agreements signed by Curaçao during the EuroLat session, but it emphasized the value of the contacts established and maintained throughout the visit.
Brownbill Meets Minister Plenipotentiary Sidney Justiana
On his return journey to Curaçao, Brownbill also met with Curaçao's Minister Plenipotentiary in the Netherlands, Sidney Justiana.
Their discussions focused on organizational changes being implemented at the Curaçao House in The Hague and the working relationship between the institution and the Curaçao Parliament.
The Curaçao House represents the country's interests in the Netherlands and serves as an important point of contact within the Kingdom.
The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on the ongoing organizational changes and the importance of cooperation between the Curaçao House and Parliament.
No additional details were provided regarding specific agreements or decisions resulting from the meeting.
Brownbill Satisfied With Working Visit
Looking back on the visit, Brownbill expressed satisfaction with his participation in the EuroLat activities and the discussions held with his parliamentary counterparts.
The working visit combined regional parliamentary cooperation with broader international engagement, allowing Curaçao to participate in discussions on issues affecting Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
The tripartite meeting with Aruba and Sint Maarten also provided a basis for further cooperation among the three Caribbean countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The proposals emerging from that meeting are expected to be brought before the respective Parliaments for further consideration.
For Brownbill, the visit reinforced the importance of parliamentary diplomacy and maintaining international relationships as Curaçao continues to navigate regional and global developments.