EUR 80 million for reinforcement of economic foundation Caribbean islands
The Cabinet is making EUR 80 million available for three projects that are expected to contribute to the reinforcement of the economic foundation and the enhancement of the self-sufficiency of the Caribbean islands. This will result in the construction of a new port on Saba, the improvement of infrastructure on Bonaire, and the enhancement of food security on all six islands.
For the construction of a new, hurricane- and future-proof port on Saba, a total of EUR 40 million is made available in 2025 and 2026. For the improvement of the road network on Bonaire, the Cabinet is making EUR 16 million available. Both projects contribute to economic self-sufficiency and boost key sectors, including tourism. In addition, to ensure that Aruba, Curaçao, St. Maarten, Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba are ultimately less dependent on food imports from abroad, the Cabinet is making EUR 24 million available for projects that contribute to the enhancement of food security.
Good governance and sound public finances
In addition to these three projects, the Cabinet is focusing on sound public finances and good governance, as they contribute sustainably to economic self-sufficiency. Until 2027, the Temporary Working Organisation (TWO) will continue to assist the Countries in putting solid public finances, strong government, good public services, economic development, and education in order. In 2025, EUR 30 million is made available for this. To ensure security and the rule of law, the Cabinet supports Aruba, Curaçao, and St. Maarten with investments in detention, the reinforcement of border control, and the tackling of undermining criminality. This will total EUR 70 million in 2025.
Enhancement of livelihood security
On Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba the Cabinet is also enhancing the livelihood security. The Cabinet is structurally releasing EUR 2 million to reinforce (island) services in the area of poverty and debt. Furthermore, EUR 1 million is made available structurally for school meals. In addition, the Cabinet wants to strengthen the purchasing power of both parents and minimum and middle-class incomes. The Cabinet has reserved EUR 8 million structurally for this purpose. The exact details of this are elaborated by the Cabinet in the short term.