THE HAGUE – Dutch State Secretary for Kingdom Relations Van den Brug has informed the Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament about the outcomes of the recent Overseas Countries and Territories-European Union Forum (OCT-EU Forum) held in Aruba, where Caribbean territories within the Kingdom and European partners discussed major strategic investments and regional cooperation priorities.
In a formal report to Parliament, Van den Brug stated that the forum took place from April 9 to 13, 2026, followed by an Investment Conference focused on financing opportunities for Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs). Representatives from the European Commission, Caribbean OCTs, the Netherlands, France and Denmark participated, alongside members of the European Parliament and the European Investment Bank (EIB).
According to the state secretary, the forum focused heavily on improving the integration of Caribbean OCTs into the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy, which aims to stimulate strategic investments in geopolitically important regions.
Van den Brug informed Parliament that five priority sectors were identified for the Caribbean region:
- digital connectivity,
- energy transition,
- maritime connectivity,
- sargassum management,
- and disaster risk management.
Waste management was later added as an additional regional priority during the conference discussions.
The report notes that the Netherlands and the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom emphasized the importance of investments particularly in digital infrastructure, maritime transport and renewable energy.
Van den Brug also explained to Parliament that several Caribbean territories presented project proposals for inclusion in the EU’s Caribbean Global Gateway “project pipeline.” These proposals included port infrastructure projects, a ferry connection between the Leeward Islands, a trans-Atlantic submarine data cable and wind energy development initiatives.
According to the state secretary, those projects will now be further developed in cooperation with the European Commission office in Barbados.
The report additionally highlights Aruba’s opening of a new Directorate for Kingdom Relations and the European Union during the forum. Aruba Prime Minister Mike Eman reportedly described the move as a clear signal that both the Kingdom and the European Union are strategic priorities for Aruba.
Van den Brug also informed Parliament that the European Commission intends to organize the OCT-EU Forum every two years instead of annually. The next forum is expected to take place in Brussels in 2028.