BRUSSELS, WILLEMSTAD - The European Union wants to change the status of Curaçao in the context of the 2014 OCT Decree, the legislation regarding Overseas Countries and Territories.
The EU wants a partnership based on equality and in which the overseas territories are no longer seen as developing countries. The year 2020 has therefore been determined that the Country of Curaçao must establish cooperation with the Union.
The Curaçao sustainability association Hende-i-Medio-Ambiente, would like for Curaçao to receive a UPG Status, outermost region status, just like French Sint Maarten. The association believes this status will help uphold the island's democracy, human rights, good governance, and sustainable development.
Unlike the Netherlands, the islands are not part of the territory of the European Union and therefore do not have to comply with European law and they do not have the euro as legal tender.
Due to the special relationship with the Netherlands, the islands are eligible for European funds and EU-wide cooperation agreements.
