WILLEMSTAD – As the April 2027 expiration date of the current reform agreement approaches, discussions are intensifying over whether the cooperation framework between Curaçao and the Netherlands should continue beyond that date.
According to the 2025 annual report of the Temporary Work Organization, many reforms have gained momentum and important progress has been achieved. However, officials acknowledge that a significant number of projects remain unfinished.
An independent evaluation committee concluded that the cooperation has contributed substantially to launching reforms, strengthening implementation capacity, encouraging knowledge sharing and supporting institutional development.
The committee also noted that the reform agenda was exceptionally broad and ambitious from the outset.
TWO Program Manager Judith Jeurissen described 2025 as a year in which many reforms finally gained traction, but stressed that maintaining the current course remains essential. She noted that discussions are already taking place about the future structure of cooperation after 2027.
For Curaçao, the outcome of those discussions could have significant implications for ongoing reforms in taxation, education, healthcare, financial management, social security and economic development.
The debate is likely to become increasingly important over the next year as policymakers determine whether the current reform framework should be extended, modified or replaced with a new form of cooperation.