THE HAGUE – The Netherlands has once again highlighted the situation in Venezuela as a potential security risk for Curaçao and the wider Caribbean part of the Kingdom, according to its newly released International Security Strategy 2026-2030. The document identifies political and economic instability in Venezuela as one of the developments that could directly affect the region.
The strategy comes amid growing international concerns over geopolitical competition, migration pressures, organized crime, and regional security challenges. Dutch policymakers argue that developments in neighboring countries can have direct consequences for the Caribbean islands due to their geographic proximity and economic ties.
While the report primarily focuses on European security threats such as Russia’s war in Ukraine and growing tensions with China, it devotes specific attention to the Kingdom’s Caribbean territories. It notes that global developments increasingly impact the Caribbean region and that the Kingdom has a direct role to play in addressing security concerns on its southern flank.
The Dutch government specifically mentions concerns about foreign influence through strategic investments, telecommunications infrastructure, and ports. It also points to cyber threats against vital infrastructure and the ongoing challenge posed by transnational criminal organizations operating in the Caribbean region.
According to the strategy, addressing these risks will require close cooperation between the countries of the Kingdom and continued monitoring of regional developments, particularly those linked to Venezuela.