WILLEMSTAD – The Dutch Ministry of Defense warns that modern security threats are no longer limited to conventional military conflict and says the Kingdom must prepare for cyberattacks, disinformation, sabotage, organized crime and regional instability.
In its 2026 Defense Policy Paper, the ministry describes the current security environment as a “grey zone” between war and peace, where states and other actors use hybrid methods to weaken societies without crossing the threshold into open conflict. These methods include cyber operations, disinformation campaigns and attempts to disrupt vital systems such as energy and water infrastructure.
For the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, the policy paper identifies instability in Venezuela as a specific concern. Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao could be affected if tensions between Venezuela and the United States escalate, including through airspace closures, reduced supply of goods by sea and increased migration pressure.
Defense says the Caribbean territories require strong partnerships because they are outside NATO treaty territory. This makes cooperation with regional allies and organizations especially important.
The ministry also plans to invest in Caribbean security cooperation through the Framework for Western Hemisphere Allied Cooperation and to broaden cooperation against organized crime.
The policy paper reflects a broader shift in Dutch defense thinking: security is no longer seen only as a military matter, but as a shared responsibility involving governments, civil society, infrastructure operators, international partners and the defense sector.
For Curaçao and the Dutch Caribbean, that means preparedness for regional crises, cyber risks, maritime disruption and organized crime will become increasingly important in the coming years.