THE HAGUE – Traditionally, the Caribbean part of the Kingdom is the very last item to appear on the agenda when a new Dutch government is formed. This time, however, the region has been mentioned right at the start of negotiations — an unusual shift that underscores growing geopolitical tension.
In the document “Samen aan de slag voor een sterker Nederland” (“Working Together for a Stronger Netherlands”), presented this afternoon by party leaders Rob Jetten (D66) and Henri Bontenbal (CDA) as an invitation to other parties to join coalition talks, strengthening national defence is listed as one of five central themes.
Within that section, a striking reference is made:
“Both in Europe and in the Caribbean, the Kingdom is confronted with increased (military) threats. Therefore, we urgently need a modern armed forces: with capabilities on land, at sea, in the air, and in cyber and space domains.”
The explicit inclusion of the Caribbean region so early in the formation process reflects heightened Dutch awareness of regional instability — particularly in light of rising tensions involving Venezuela and expanding geopolitical competition in the wider Caribbean basin.
For Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten, this early attention may signal a more proactive Dutch approach to security, defence cooperation and crisis preparedness in the coming governing period.