WILLEMSTAD – The Council of Ministers has agreed to enter a short recess period at the end of December 2025. During this recess, the Council will temporarily suspend its weekly meetings, allowing ministers the opportunity, time, and space to focus on their respective ministries and on matters requiring attention within their portfolios.
The government emphasized that the administration of the country will continue to function normally throughout the recess period. Where necessary, decisions may still be taken in accordance with established procedures through so-called “op stuk” decisions. This means that documents containing the required and relevant information are circulated among ministries to obtain approval from a majority without the need for a formal Council meeting.
The recess period should not be considered a vacation. However, a minister may choose—after consultation—to take leave during this time. In such cases, the minister will be temporarily replaced by the designated minister responsible for acting on their behalf during the absence.
The recess will begin on December 18, 2025, meaning that the last scheduled Council of Ministers meeting will take place on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. The first meeting following the recess is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
As the Council of Ministers enters this recess, it is important that both the community and the public service are informed. Civil servants are encouraged to remain fully aware of the applicable procedures before and during the recess period. This will allow each ministry to prepare in advance, ensuring that important documents requiring Council decisions are handled in a timely and efficient manner.