WILLEMSTAD – The Parliament of Curaçao (Staten van Curaçao) has approved an amendment to the 2026 national budget that reallocates funds within the ordinary service, increasing resources for parliamentary representation, information activities, and advisory services.
The amendment, submitted by Member of Parliament F. Brownbill, forms part of the legislative process surrounding the National Ordinance establishing the 2026 budget of Curaçao. According to the document, a total of 250,000 guilders has been reduced from the budget line for unforeseen expenditures within the ordinary service .
That amount is redistributed within the budget of the Staten. Specifically, 150,000 guilders is added to the budget line for Representation and Information, while an additional 100,000 guilders is allocated to Advisory Costs.
International and Regional Parliamentary Activities
The explanatory memorandum attached to the amendment states that the increase in representation and information funds is intended to cover costs related to the organization of congresses and the reception of regional delegations. Parliament plans to host an international meeting in May 2026, bringing together parliamentary representatives from across the Caribbean region.
This meeting is expected to be combined with the first session of the temporary ParlAmericas committee, which was recently established to address specific issues affecting Caribbean countries. In addition, there are plans to organize a one-time contact meeting for all islands within the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The additional funds are meant to cover expenses directly linked to these activities.
Advisory Costs and Staten Building Projects
The increase in advisory costs is linked to preparations for the temporary relocation of the Parliament building and the construction of a permanent new Staten building. According to the amendment, external advisors are required to support the preparatory phase of these projects, making the additional allocation necessary.
Adopted by General Vote
The amendment was approved by the Parliament on December 15, 2025, and formally adopted on December 18, 2025, with the voting list indicating that it was passed by general vote. The decision reflects broad parliamentary support for reallocating funds to strengthen parliamentary operations and prepare for upcoming regional and institutional initiatives.
The amendment now forms part of the final budget framework for the 2026 financial year, as Curaçao moves forward with both regional parliamentary engagement and long-term infrastructure planning for its legislative branch.