Achieving more noticeable results for residents. Measures to recruit and retain staff faster and to develop strategies for economic development. These agreements between State Secretary Szabó (Digitalization and Kingdom Relations) and the island governments of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba are included in the progress report on the administrative agreements that State Secretary Szabó sent to the House of Representatives this week. Progress is discussed with Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba every quarter. The state secretary monitors what is going well and what is not, and makes this discussable with the island governments.
State Secretary Szabó: “The administrative agreements with Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba are important tools for setting priorities and achieving tangible results. In the coming period, my focus remains on promoting good governance, sound public finances, and economic self-reliance. Special attention is given to improving 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 few visible and noticeable results for residents have been achieved. In the administrative consultation with the executive council of Bonaire, he expressed his concern about this.
However, positive steps have also been taken. For example, the commissioner is working on strengthening good governance, and the new library has opened, offering more services. The 13 million euros for implementing the Regional Deal Bonaire is a positive step. Bonaire is currently further developing the plans for this. The Regional 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 several issues must be addressed this year. This includes realizing a container depot, an affordable and effective bus connection for residents, strengthening implementation capacity, improving the permit system, supervision and enforcement, and financial processes within the public entity.
Sint Eustatius
In Sint Eustatius, there are currently significant challenges regarding the number of vacancies and thus the implementation capacity. With support from 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 were 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 Regional Deal. The projects from the regional deal and the historic moment in November 2026 present unique opportunities to put Sint Eustatius on the international map, which will benefit 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 developed. The administration and control system for sound public finances introduced in 2024 will be secured. Furthermore, work will be done on developing and implementing an island-wide approach to good governance. The executive council will also work on implementing the plan to address stray livestock.
Saba
In 2024, significant steps were taken in Saba regarding infrastructure and the physical living environment. For example, 5 million euros have been allocated for implementing the Regional Deal Saba, the housing project Under the Hill 2 with 18 social rental homes has been completed, and agreements have been made for 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-reliance of the island and is set to 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 that require extra attention in 2025 include developing an economic development strategy, establishing a local audit chamber, and implementing clear procurement and tendering rules.
Purchasing Power
To monitor purchasing power in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba effectively, it has been agreed to comprehensively review the purchasing power measures for 2026 on Princes Day. Among other things, measures regarding taxes, (temporary) subsidies on the cost of living, and income support will be gathered. Furthermore, income effects and forecast figures will be calculated as much as possible for better insight into purchasing power on the islands.
Zsolt Szabó: “If we continue to focus on economic self-reliance, it will significantly help improve purchasing power.”