THE HAGUE – The outgoing Dutch government has expressed reservations about a series of recommendations from the Council of State aimed at strengthening relations within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The advisory report includes proposals such as expanding voting rights for Caribbean residents, introducing a formal dispute settlement mechanism, and enhancing cooperation in education and poverty reduction. While The Hague acknowledges certain advantages, it also sees major drawbacks. According to the government, challenges include limited democratic influence, practical obstacles in implementation, and concerns about separating legal from policy-related disputes.

The Dutch cabinet has indicated that it will seek consultations with Curaçao, Aruba, and St. Maarten in order to formulate a joint response to the Council of State’s advice.

The debate comes at a time of renewed focus on equality and cooperation within the Kingdom, as the Caribbean countries continue to call for greater recognition of their voices in decision-making processes.