This is the core of the new policy for development aid that Minister Klever informed the House of Representatives about on Thursday for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation . The cabinet has agreed to structurally cut 2.4 billion euros from development aid starting in 2027. Klever: ‘All programs we finance must directly contribute to our own interests: trade, security, and less migration.’
The minister finds the current policy too fragmented to be sufficiently effective. Therefore, she opts for more focus and prioritizes the interests of the Netherlands. ‘It’s not just about doing less, but also doing better. We make sharp choices, only do what we can do well, and work as much as possible with Dutch companies. This is good for the Netherlands and good for the recipient countries,’ says Klever.
The cabinet is also linking aid and trade more clearly. Klever: ‘We give Dutch companies more opportunities to win contracts for development aid. And help the countries involved to grow into trading partners, which is beneficial for their economy and employment.’
The cabinet also uses development aid to make conflict regions near Europe safer: West Africa, the Horn of Africa, the Middle East, and North Africa. This should help prevent disruptions to trade, give radical or criminal groups more space, or cause people in the Netherlands to apply for asylum. Klever: ‘Lack of food is, for example, a cause of conflict. That’s why we use Dutch agricultural knowledge to improve and increase food production.’
The cabinet wants to combat migration and therefore invests in the return and reception and protection of refugees in their country or region of origin. Klever: ‘By providing them with perspective there, people can build a life and do not have to make the journey to Europe.’ The cabinet wants to make agreements with migration countries to combat migration and promote the return of migrants.
Despite significant cuts, the cabinet continues to provide humanitarian aid to people in need. Klever wants to utilize local aid organizations because they can respond quickly and effectively in crises.
The new policy also means that financial support for various programs will stop, including in the areas of gender equality, vocational and higher education, sports, and culture. Additionally, less money will go to climate, civil society, and UN organizations.