Cabinet to provide clarity on direct undersea cable to Caribbean Netherlands in early 2027

THE HAGUE - The cabinet expects to provide more clarity in early 2027 on a possible direct undersea cable connection with the Caribbean Netherlands. The research also examines how undersea cables could strengthen the digital independence of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba.

This follows from the report of a consultation of the Parliamentary Committee on Digital Affairs, published on Thursday. The consultation itself took place on 18 June. State Secretary for Digital Economy and Sovereignty Danielle Aerdts stated that she is working on implementing a previously adopted motion on a direct cable connection with the three islands.

The research also incorporates a motion asking the cabinet to examine how the digital sovereignty of the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom can be strengthened through undersea cables. Digital sovereignty refers, among other things, to the extent to which countries and territories maintain control over their own digital infrastructure and are less dependent on foreign parties.

Concerns over disappearing cables

Aerdts also pledged to address concerns about the phasing out of two trans-Atlantic undersea cables. The House of Representatives had previously adopted a motion unanimously expressing those concerns.

Member of Parliament Barbara Kathmann also highlighted a proposal to make 18 million euros available for research into the seabed for a new undersea cable. According to her, there is broad support for the research, but at the time it was not yet clear where the funding would come from.

The cabinet was expected to provide information on the financing and implementation of the various undersea cable motions by Budget Day at the latest. Further information on a direct connection with the Caribbean Netherlands will follow, according to Aerdts, in early 2027.

‘Simply part of the Netherlands’

State Secretary for Kingdom Relations Eric van der Burg emphasised during the consultation that digital infrastructure for Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba should not be treated exclusively as a matter for Kingdom Relations.

Caribbean Netherlands is simply part of the Netherlands, said Van der Burg. According to him, questions about an undersea cable therefore belong with the minister responsible for digital infrastructure.