Minister of Finance Gerlien Croes says Aruba needs to take a realistic approach to the remaining reforms under the Landspakket agreement, acknowledging that the original targets were overly ambitious given the island’s capacity constraints.
With the bilateral agreement set to expire in April 2027 — just one year from now — an internal government evaluation found that roughly half of the planned reforms have been completed. A special commission has been installed to assess progress and map out what can realistically be achieved before the deadline.
“The Landspakket was very ambitious,” Croes stated, emphasizing that the government must now determine which remaining items are feasible and whether cooperation with the Netherlands can be extended for unfinished reforms.
Progress at the Halfway Mark
Of the reform measures outlined in the agreement, seven have been achieved over the past six years, while seven remain outstanding. The outstanding items include heavy-lift tasks such as legal adaptations and IT infrastructure upgrades that require significant resources and specialized expertise.
The minister noted that execution capacity — particularly the legal framework needed to implement structural changes — remains the primary obstacle to completing the full package.
Gaming Authority Highlighted
Croes pointed to the establishment of the Kansspelautoriteit (Gaming Authority) as a key achievement. The regulator plays an important role in cracking down on illegal gambling activities and promoting responsible gaming practices on the island.
A report by a Dutch evaluation commission indicated that Aruba has performed well in its reform efforts, offering a positive signal even as significant work remains.
Looking Ahead
The government’s focus now shifts to prioritizing achievable reforms while exploring whether the Netherlands will agree to extend cooperation timelines for items that cannot be completed by the April 2027 deadline. Croes stressed that honest assessment — rather than ambitious promises — will guide the final phase of the Landspakket execution.
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