University report: Aruba should carefully weigh any change to its European Union status

ORANJESTAD – A new study commissioned by Aruba's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Kingdom Relations concludes that there is no straightforward answer to whether Aruba would benefit more from retaining its current Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) status or changing to Outermost Region (OR) status within the European Union .According to the report, neither option is automatically the better choice. The outcome depends largely on Aruba's political and economic objectives, as well as the country's ability to implement European Union legislation and take advantage of the opportunities the EU offers.

The study states that becoming an Outermost Region could provide Aruba with greater access to European funding and additional economic opportunities. However, it would also require the island to adopt virtually the entire body of EU legislation, demanding significant investments in government capacity, technology, regulatory oversight and public administration.

The researchers emphasize that a change in status is not merely an economic decision but also a political one, with important implications for Aruba's future and the degree of autonomy the country wishes to preserve.