A recent interim evaluation of the ‘Onderlinge Regeling Samenwerking bij Hervormingen’ (Mutual Cooperation Agreement for Reforms) has highlighted the slow progress of reforms in Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten, and the Netherlands, despite collaborative efforts. While the cooperation between the Kingdom’s countries has led to some advancements, progress remains sluggish due to political decisions and limited implementation capacity. The report, published in March 2026, was part of an ongoing analysis of the collaboration framework, which was initially established following the COVID-19 crisis to strengthen the economies and governance systems of the countries in the Kingdom.
The evaluation committee has pointed out that the reform agenda was “broad and ambitious” from the outset, requiring countries to tackle multiple sectors simultaneously. However, many of these nations are still grappling with the economic and social fallout of the pandemic. This combination of factors has placed significant strain on the governments’ capacities, resulting in delays and a lack of speed in executing the reforms.
Despite these challenges, the report acknowledges that the Kingdom’s collaborative approach has led to tangible results. By coordinating efforts, sharing expertise, and providing support through the Tijdelijke Werkorganisatie (TWO), various reform pathways have been initiated, and the overall structure has been effectively established. The central focus of these efforts has been to reinforce the economic and institutional foundations of the respective countries.
However, the evaluation also stresses that clear progress remains elusive, largely dependent on government priorities, personnel availability, resource allocation, and the stability of key leadership roles. While there is no set exit strategy for Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten, the pace of progress varies between these countries.
A significant concern raised in the report is the delay in completing the reforms, which remain in the transition phase from planning to implementation. This slow transition is expected, but it has been harder to realize concrete results in a timely manner.
The commission has recommended that collaboration within the Kingdom should continue to avoid incomplete reforms. They also called for a broader political discussion on the future structure of the cooperation, acknowledging that long-term vision and strategy are necessary to achieve lasting success. The report emphasized that while each country holds responsibility for its own development, collaboration within the Kingdom is a crucial tool for strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring sustainable growth. The commission cautioned that autonomy should not be an excuse to avoid collaboration.
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