ORANJESTAD – The European Union has nearly doubled its financial support for Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), including Curaçao and Aruba, increasing funding from €500 million to €999 million.
The announcement was made during the OCT-EU Forum currently taking place in Aruba, where European and Caribbean leaders are meeting to strengthen cooperation.
State Secretary Van den Burg during the OCT forum
According to European Commissioner Jozef Síkela, the increase reflects a shift in approach. The partnership is no longer viewed as development aid, but as a strategic investment aimed at strengthening the resilience and long-term future of the territories.
The funding boost is being described as one of the most significant outcomes of the forum, which has also seen the launch of several initiatives focused on sustainability, biodiversity, disaster management, and economic development.
Mike Eman emphasized that the forum is producing concrete results rather than just discussions, pointing to new programs that are already being set in motion.
One of the key projects highlighted is the redevelopment of the refinery area in San Nicolas, which is being positioned as an opportunity for sustainable economic growth. The project is expected to involve close cooperation between Aruba, the Netherlands, and the European Union.
Beyond financial support, the EU also plans to provide technical expertise and active involvement in project development. Officials stressed that collaboration with the private sector will be essential to translate plans into tangible results.
For Curaçao, the expanded funding framework could open new opportunities in areas such as infrastructure, energy transition, and economic diversification, as the region seeks to strengthen its resilience in an increasingly complex global environment.