425 million for Dutch, French Caribbean Islands, but The Hague seeks clarity

THE HAGUE--The Government of the Netherlands has reviewed the European Commission’s proposal for a revised Overseas Countries and Territories decision within the EU Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028 to 2034. The proposal nearly doubles the OCT envelope to 999 million euros, with 530 million euros for Greenland and 425 million euros for the French and Dutch OCTs combined. The cabinet welcomes the strategic focus on OCTs and the intent to simplify procedures, it will press for clarity on access rules, loan terms, allocation methods, and the role of member states in implementation.

The proposal links OCT cooperation more closely to Global Gateway, Global Europe, and the planned European Competitiveness Fund. It merges regional and territorial envelopes to allow bilateral projects, OCT to OCT cooperation, and collaboration with EU outermost regions and ACP states. The Netherlands supports broader access in principle, it notes that complex rules and small administrative capacity have limited uptake. The cabinet will seek smaller calls, lighter co-financing, and simple formats that fit OCT scale.

A new EU loan facility for OCTs is proposed, directly or via the member state. The Netherlands requests full details on form, tenor, pricing, guarantees, and alignment with Kingdom financial frameworks before taking a position. The government also calls for streamlined reporting and approvals that match the execution capacity of the islands.

On governance, the Commission proposes to hold the EU–OCT forum every two years instead of annually to strengthen strategic focus. The Netherlands can support this, it asks for a clearer member state role in planning and monitoring Multiannual Indicative Programs, and proposes regular trilateral consultations between the OCTs, the EU Delegation in Barbados, and the member state to surface bottlenecks early.

On budgetary impact, the Netherlands underlines that negotiations will be decided within the overall EU budget package. The cabinet’s line for the next MFF is a modern and financially sustainable budget focused on strategic priorities, with careful choices and restraint in national contributions. The OCT decision must align with that approach.

The Commission frames the OCTs as strategic outposts for the EU. For the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, targeted cooperation on climate, digital connectivity, education, tourism, food security, and security is relevant. The Netherlands supports this agenda, it seeks practical modalities such as Interreg participation pathways, dedicated calls for small island jurisdictions, and simpler application and reporting templates.

Key elements the Netherlands will raise in Council discussions

• Clear, transparent rules for accessing Global Europe, the European Competitiveness Fund, and related instruments, including OCT-sized calls and lower co-financing thresholds

• Full disclosure of the proposed loan facility’s conditions and safeguards, with alignment to Kingdom frameworks

• Clarification of allocation logic within the 425 million euro envelope for French and Dutch OCTs, including any reserve and decision procedures

• A defined member state role in the design and oversight of Multiannual Indicative Programmes, supported by periodic three-party meetings with the EU Delegation and OCTs

• Streamlined procedures and reporting, tailored to limited execution capacity in OCT administrations

The Commission registered the OCT decision proposal on 3 September 2025. Council will act by unanimity under Article 203 TFEU, with European Parliament consultation. The Netherlands has prepared a position note to guide Council working party discussions and coordination in the Foreign Affairs Council track.

The Netherlands will table its clarifications and suggestions in the Council, coordinate with Denmark and France as the three member states with OCTs, and continue consultations with the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom to align priorities and improve readiness for EU instruments under the next MFF.

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