THE HAGUE – The Caribbean part of the Kingdom is gaining strategic importance in an increasingly unstable world, according to the Netherlands’ new International Security Strategy 2026-2030. The policy document describes the Caribbean countries as part of the Kingdom’s “global southern flank” and acknowledges their growing relevance in international security discussions.
The strategy outlines how geopolitical competition is expanding beyond Europe and increasingly affecting regions around the world, including the Caribbean. Dutch officials warn that foreign powers are seeking influence through investments, infrastructure projects, telecommunications networks, and economic relationships, developments that could affect the strategic position of the Kingdom’s Caribbean territories.
In addition to geopolitical influence, the document identifies cyber threats, maritime security challenges, and international organized crime as ongoing concerns for the region. The Dutch government notes that the nature and scale of these threats differ between Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten, requiring tailored approaches rather than a one-size-fits-all policy.
The strategy also emphasizes that security developments around the world are increasingly interconnected. Events occurring far from the Caribbean can still affect trade routes, energy supplies, migration patterns, and economic stability within the Kingdom. As a result, Dutch policymakers argue that maintaining security in the Caribbean is an integral part of safeguarding the Kingdom as a whole.
The publication forms part of a broader shift in Dutch security policy, which places greater emphasis on resilience, strategic autonomy, cybersecurity, and the protection of critical infrastructure both in Europe and throughout the Kingdom.