State Secretary Szabó: “I consider the administrative agreements with Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba as important instruments to set priorities and achieve tangible results. In the coming period, my focus remains on promoting good governance, sound public finances, and economic self-sufficiency. Special attention is given to enhancing implementation capacity and the necessary conditions for that. I do this in consultation with Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba and my colleagues in The Hague.”
Bonaire
In Bonaire, many actions from the administrative agreement are still in preparation. Szabó notes that there are few visible and noticeable results for residents. In the administrative meeting with the executive council of Bonaire, he expressed his concern about this.
Nevertheless, positive steps have also been taken. The commissioner is working on strengthening good governance, and the new library has opened, offering more services. The 13 million euros for implementing the Regio Deal Bonaire is also a positive step. Bonaire is currently further developing the plans for this. The Regio Deal enables investments in area development (Antriol and Nort’i Saliña), public transport, logistics, and the accessibility and sustainability of schools.
The state secretary has agreed with the executive council that a number of issues must be addressed this year. These include realizing a container depot, an affordable and effective bus connection for residents, strengthening implementation capacity, improving the system for permits, supervision, and enforcement, and the financial processes within the public entity.
Sint Eustatius
In Sint Eustatius, there are currently significant challenges regarding the number of vacancies and thus also the implementation capacity. With support from the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK), work is being done on a plan to accelerate and improve the recruitment process, including measures to retain staff. This benefits the islands implementation capacity. In 2024, positive steps have been taken in financial management, housing construction, integrity, and good governance. A start has also been made on the Statia 2026 program, including resources from the Regio Deal. The projects from the Regio Deal and the historic moment in November 2026 present unique opportunities to put Sint Eustatius on the international map, benefiting tourism and economic development. This requires strict planning to meet deadlines.
For 2025, it has been agreed that a local economic development strategy with long-term perspective will be established. The administration and control system for sound public finances introduced in 2024 will be secured. Furthermore, work is being done on developing and implementing a local approach for good governance. The executive council will also start implementing the plan to address stray livestock.
Saba
In 2024, significant steps have been taken in Saba in the areas of infrastructure and the physical living environment. For example, 5 million euros have been allocated for the implementation of the Regio Deal Saba, the housing project Under the Hill 2 with 18 social rental homes has been completed, and agreements have been made regarding the realization of even more homes by 2030. Additionally, the cabinet has reserved €40 million for the construction of a new hurricane-resistant port in Saba (Black Rocks Harbour), of which the first tranche (€30 million) has recently been made available to Saba. The construction of the new port is a crucial project for the economy and self-sufficiency of the island and will start in the fourth quarter of 2025. Together with the executive council of Saba and the Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, Szabó is monitoring the progress of the project. Topics requiring extra attention in 2025 include developing an economic development strategy, establishing a local audit chamber, and setting clear procurement and tendering rules.
Purchasing Power
To effectively monitor purchasing power in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba, it has been agreed to comprehensively review the purchasing power measures for 2026 on Budget Day. Measures regarding taxes, (temporary) subsidies on the cost of living, and income support will be consolidated. Income effects and forecast figures will also be calculated as much as possible for better insight into purchasing power on the islands.
State Secretary Zsolt Szabó: “If we continue to focus on economic self-sufficiency, it will significantly help improve purchasing power.”