THE HAGUE – At the proposal of Don Ceder (ChristenUnie), the Dutch House of Representatives of the Netherlands will interrupt its Christmas recess to hold an emergency debate on what he described as U.S. attacks on Venezuela. According to Ceder, swift political clarity is needed “for the Caribbean part of the Kingdom and for Dutch citizens in Venezuela.”
Ceder received broad support from fellow MPs across the political spectrum. Hanneke van der Werf (D66) warned that Venezuela is the Kingdom’s largest neighbor and that developments there could directly affect Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. GroenLinks–PvdA leader Jesse Klaver called the U.S. action illegal and said it sets a dangerous precedent, urging the government to explain how it will safeguard the islands’ security.
From the VVD, Eric van der Burg said the situation remains unclear but stressed that the safety of people on the islands must be the top priority. SP leader Jimmy Dijk sharply criticized Washington, arguing that the military expansion undermines international stability and that international law applies to everyone. In contrast, PVV leader Geert Wilders openly endorsed the U.S. operation.
Cabinet response: security first
Caretaker Prime Minister Dick Schoof responded later, saying the cabinet is closely monitoring developments in the Caribbean and Venezuela following the U.S. actions. “Security in the region is of great importance for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire,” Schoof said, adding that he has informed Aruba’s Prime Minister Mike Eman, Curaçao’s Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas, and Bonaire’s Government Commissioner John Soliano that they and island residents can count on Dutch support during this uncertain period.
Foreign Affairs Minister David van Weel said the government is in close contact with the Dutch embassy in Venezuela, Defense, and the Caribbean countries, emphasizing that the safety of Dutch nationals and the Kingdom is the primary concern.
Criticism of restraint
Former Foreign Affairs Minister Jan Pronk criticized the cabinet’s cautious tone, arguing that while protecting Dutch citizens is understandable, the broader issue is a violation of international law. He compared the U.S. action to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and warned that failure by Europe and the Netherlands to distance themselves risks eroding Western credibility in the Global South.
Flight disruptions and airspace confusion
The heightened tensions also disrupted air travel. KLM, TUI, and Corendon initially kept scheduled flights from Schiphol Airport to Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire on the ground after the Curaçao government announced a temporary 24-hour airspace closure. Later in the day, the Government of Curaçao clarified that the restriction applies only to U.S. airlines, prompting airlines to reassess operations.
The emergency debate is expected to focus on regional security, the legal implications of the U.S. action, and concrete measures to protect the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom as the situation around Venezuela continues to evolve.