News item | 02-04-2026 | 18:02
The cooperation between the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten within the National Packages has actually contributed to initiating reforms in recent years. This is the conclusion of an independent evaluation committee that has conducted research in recent months. However, structural reforms also require more time, according to the committee.
At the end of 2020, separate agreements were made between the Netherlands and each of the countries about the financial support provided by the Netherlands around the Covid-19 pandemic. These were related to government reforms. The agreements on the reforms are laid down in so-called National Packages. Since the beginning of 2021, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten have been working on these reforms. They are supported by the Temporary Work Organization (TWO) of the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. With the conclusion of the ‘Mutual Regulation on Cooperation on Reforms’, this cooperation was given a legal basis in April 2023.
Goals National packages still standing
According to the committee, the aim of the collaboration, to strengthen the economic resilience and administrative power of the countries, still stands.
The National Packages consist of major reforms in many areas. From improving the quality of education and the business climate, to modernizing the tax authorities and government services.
All these reforms had to be prepared and implemented simultaneously. This, in combination with limited implementation capacity in Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten and the aftermath of the Covid-19 crisis, made the implementation time-consuming and complex. At the same time, the committee notes that there was movement in processes that had previously been difficult to get off the ground. This is because it was jointly determined which projects had to be carried out. The countries were in charge of this themselves and were supported by the TWO.
Mutual differences
The committee also points out in its report that there are differences between Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten. For example, the reforms in Aruba are part of its own policy plans. It is important for Curaçao that there is clarity in the near future about administrative commitment and which reforms have priority. As the smallest country, Sint Maarten has the most vulnerable starting position. Partly because the implementation capacity is even more limited than in other countries.
Independent research and evaluation
In recent months, the cooperation on the National Packages has been evaluated by an independent committee. The committee consists of five members who are appointed on the basis of their expertise. Each of the four countries involved has appointed a committee member.
Offer report and follow-up process
The evaluation committee’s report was presented last week to the Prime Ministers of Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten and to the State Secretary for the Interior and Kingdom Relations Eric van der Burg. The results of the evaluation are now presented to the House of Representatives and the States of Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten.
After the summer, the Cabinet will provide a substantive response to the evaluation committee’s conclusions and recommendations.
Download here the evaluation report and the letter to Parliament.
