Aruba could gain broader access to EU funds under new Kingdom platform

ORANJESTAD — The Netherlands is developing a joint EU platform for Aruba and the other Caribbean parts of the Kingdom to strengthen coordination with Brussels and improve access to European subsidies and investment opportunities.

For Aruba, the initiative could mean more support in developing projects and making better use of EU funds that are currently not always fully accessed. While the islands formally qualify for several European programs, limited implementation capacity often makes participation difficult.

The Netherlands is also pushing for Aruba and the other Overseas Countries and Territories to gain access to a wider range of funding under the future Global Europe program, instead of being limited mainly to a global funding pool representing about 6% of the available resources.

During negotiations on the EU’s 2028-2034 budget, The Hague is advocating simpler application procedures, separate territorial budgets and funding rounds tailored to small island jurisdictions.

Priority investment areas include digital and maritime connectivity, energy transition and waste management. Aruba and the other islands have been asked to submit concrete projects.