From now on there is only money for those things in which the Netherlands “excels” such as water management, food security and health. According to Minister Klever (Foreign Trade and Development Aid, PVV), the current landscape of Dutch projects worldwide will be reduced to three topics, three regions and three Dutch interests in the coming years. That goes hand in hand with a cutback of at least 2.4 billion.
The minister calls those three Dutch interests, trade and economy, safety and stability and migration “a more relevant policy for Dutch taxpayers”.
The fact that international development aid will now only focus on direct Dutch self -interest is ‘really new’ sees Dirk Jan Koch, professor of development studies at Erasmus University.
“We always spoke of enlightened self -interest,” if other countries are doing well, it is also good for the Netherlands, Koch explains. For example, by forgiving scholarships to talented students from developing countries. “Someone studying in Rotterdam and then becomes minister in the home country Indonesia will always feel a warm bond with the Netherlands.” Koch now sees this more indirect long -term vision of collaborations. Investing in education, together with topics such as women’s rights, sports and culture, has been completely deleted from the budget. Klever’s new policy must deliver directly for the Netherlands in the short term.
The Dutch citizen involved can never compensate for what Klever is going to cut back now
Recipients of Dutch development money must grow into trading partners in the future. Connecting help, trade and investments would contribute to the ‘earning capacity’ of the Netherlands. Companies get a leading role in Klever’s international collaborations. Koch foresees that this can work in some more developed countries, but also warns of unintended side effects. “If you only invest in agriculture, for example, under the conditions that farmers are only allowed to take Dutch seeds, you might compete the local farmer.”
Neighboring regions
The geography of countries with which the Netherlands will work together will also change, says Koch. Where it used to be spread over several continents, Klever wants the number of areas where the Netherlands is actively reducing three ‘neighboring regions’. According to Minister Klever, those regions directly influence Dutch security. It concerns West Africa, the horn of Africa and the Middle East and North Africa.
According to the new plans in the neighboring regions, Dutch programs must help combat human smuggling, ensure food and water and strengthen the police.
Koch does not exclude that Klever will enter into new collaborations with countries in the neighboring regions that are not technically developing countries. “Turkey is just as rich as Greece and yet we will probably see new programs in the field of migration.”
Koch is positive about reducing the number of topics for which the Netherlands is actively uphing programs: “It is wise to distinguish yourself on themes where you have added value, experts have been arguing for some time”. But due to the link to direct self -interest and short -term results, it provides one backlash. “It is not wrong for someone to get the broom through it, but the measuring rod that is used is very risky and counterproductive.”
Dismissed
Professor Sara Kinsbergen, main lecturer in development studies at Radboud University also provides ‘a whole new reality’ within the sector. Existing Dutch aid organizations will have to shrink, merge or fall over. “There are already fired,” she says.
Kinsbergen specializes in private initiatives that are concerned with development cooperation independently of government programs. Where this group was seen as a separate entity in earlier policy, Klever explicitly mentions this: “Dutch people are involved in developing countries. The cabinet examines where the government could support this involvement of small private initiatives. ”
Cutting back on large organizations and multilateral projects and more responsibility with the citizen. Kinsbergen attributes this change of course to the political color of Minister Klever. “If society necessarily wants to give, they can do that themselves Klever with that,” says Kinsbergen.
Klever and Kinsbergen agree on one thing; There are many Dutch people who care about developing countries. The Professor expects more donations to follow both large organizations and small private initiatives. “But that involved Dutch citizen can never compensate for what Klever is going to cut back now.”
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