News item | 20-02-2025 | 8:36 AM
From now on, Dutch interests are paramount in development aid. This concerns trade, safety and migration. The cabinet focuses on programs and diplomatic work in areas in which the Netherlands excels: water management, food security and health.
That is the core of the new development aid policy on which Minister Klever for Foreign Trade and Development Aid Thursday the House of Representatives informed. From 2027, the cabinet has structurally cut 2.4 billion euros on development aid. Klever: “All programs that we finance must directly contribute to our own interest: trade, safety and less migration.”
The minister finds the current policy too fragmented to be sufficiently effective. She therefore opts for more focus and puts the importance of the Netherlands first. ‘It is not only about less, but also about better. We make sharp choices, only do what we can do well and work with Dutch companies as much as possible. That is good for the Netherlands and good for the receiving countries, “says Klever.
The cabinet links help and trade even more clearly. Klever: ‘We give Dutch companies more opportunities to drag in for development aid assignments. And help involved countries to grow into trading partners, which is beneficial for their economy and employment. “
The Cabinet also uses development aid to make conflict regions near Europe safer: West Africa, the Horn of Africa, the Middle East and North Africa. This should help prevent trade from being disturbed, radical or criminal groups get more room or that people in the Netherlands apply for asylum. Klever: ‘Lack of food is, for example, a cause of conflict. That is why we use Dutch agricultural knowledge to improve and increase food production. “
The cabinet wants to combat migration and therefore invests in the return and reception and protection of refugees in their country or region of origin. Klever: “By offering them perspective, people can build a existence and do not have to make the trip to Europe.” The cabinet wants to make agreements with migration countries to combat migration and promote the return of migrants.
Despite the substantial cuts, the cabinet continues to offer humanitarian aid to people in need. Klever wants to make use of local aid organizations, because they can respond quickly and effectively in crises.
The new policy also means that the financial support for various programs will stop, including in the field of gender equality, professional and higher education, sports and culture. Moreover, there is less money to climate, civil society and UN organizations.