THE HAGUE – Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten are making measurable progress in key reform areas—ranging from governance and regulation to energy transition and digital modernization—according to an update from the Dutch Ministry of Interior and Kingdom Relations. These reforms are executed through the Landspakket agreements and the St. Maarten Trust Fund.
The report highlights advancements in modernizing legislation for competition, consumer protection, privacy and licensing procedures, all intended to improve the business climate. Meanwhile, the BMKB-ACS program is expanding credit access for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Energy transition receives special attention. Aruba and Curaçao will soon begin using Dutch SDE funds for grid strengthening and large-scale battery storage, enabling higher shares of renewable energy. For Curaçao, a major feasibility study on a green hydrogen sector—conducted with TNO, Dutch ministries and private partners—is expected to conclude in early 2026.
The islands are also part of a new regional cooperation platform created after the “Taking the Reins” conference. Through this structure, all six Caribbean islands collaborate on financing, trade integration, institutional strengthening and the green economy, with technical support from the IMF’s CARTAC program made possible by a €1.5 million Dutch contribution.
The Dutch cabinet warns, however, that geopolitical pressures—including tensions between the United States and Venezuela—continue to pose risks for tourism and supply chains in the region. A joint working group is monitoring potential impacts closely.