Netherlands to decide in August on future reform funding

WILLEMSTAD – The Dutch government will decide in August whether funding for the Country Packages and the Temporary Work Organization, TWO, will continue after 2026. The decision will determine whether reform programs in Curaçao, Aruba and Sint Maarten can proceed. This according to Curacao Chronicle. 

Dutch State Secretary for Kingdom Relations Eric van der Burg said the Netherlands must first complete its own budget negotiations before committing additional funding.

If financing is approved, the Netherlands will open negotiations with the three countries on new agreements and the selection of future reform projects. Van der Burg said the countries would be expected to take greater responsibility for implementing and financing their own reforms, while Dutch support would be limited to selected initiatives.

Curaçao Finance Minister Charles Cooper agreed that Curaçao, as an autonomous country, should take primary responsibility for its own development. However, he said Dutch support remains valuable for projects that offer major social or economic benefits but cannot be financed entirely through commercial returns.

The Country Packages were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic as a condition for Dutch financial assistance. They cover reforms in public finances, economic development, healthcare, education and public administration. New political agreements and financial commitments will be required for the program to continue beyond 2026.