THE HAGUE – The Dutch Ministry of Finance has refused to release 156 out of 170 documents related to the Ennia case, citing concerns over international relations, ongoing legal proceedings, and diplomatic sensitivities. This was revealed in a second decision under the Dutch Open Government Act (Woo) regarding the financial state of Ennia Caribe Holding. Only 14 documents were released—none of them new, as they had already been made public through other channels.
In a letter accompanying the decision, the Ministry acknowledged it had exceeded the legal response deadline but stated the search process had now been completed. A previous partial release had similarly withheld the majority of requested information. In both instances, the Ministry argued that disclosure could damage trust with other nations and interfere with negotiations or active legal cases.
Key Documents Withheld
The documents being withheld include meeting minutes, policy memos, internal presentations, and email correspondence with the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten. Other restricted materials cover discussions on restructuring COVID-related loans, interest rate scenarios, and diplomatic negotiations on resolving the Ennia affair.
An inventory list shows that many documents were specifically prepared for talks with the governments of Curaçao and Sint Maarten or with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Public disclosure of these materials, the Ministry claims, could undermine the functioning of the Dutch State.
Already-Public Documents Released
The few documents released were largely previously available through government websites or international reports. These include parliamentary questions from 2016 and 2018 concerning Ennia, IMF assessments of Curaçao and Sint Maarten’s financial health, press releases from the Central Bank, and court rulings in liability proceedings against majority shareholder Parman (Hushang Ansary). The English-language settlement agreement from December 2023, outlining the final steps in the Ennia case, also remains available through the Central Bank.
Transparency Still Lacking
Despite the Ministry’s methodical legal handling of the request, substantive transparency remains elusive. Citizens are told that proposals have been made, that negotiations have occurred, and that international consultations are ongoing—but not what those proposals are, who raised concerns, or what decisions have ultimately been taken.
The Ennia case—widely considered the largest insurance scandal in the Dutch Caribbean—continues to unfold behind closed doors, with the public left in the dark about its resolution.
