Today marks the official start of a new government in the Netherlands, a historic moment in Dutch politics. Rob Jetten has been sworn in as Prime Minister, leading a minority coalition government composed of Democrats 66 (D66), the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), and the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD). This coalition holds only 66 out of 150 seats in the House of Representatives, meaning it will need to negotiate with other parties to pass legislation.

In this new cabinet, Sjoerd Sjoerdsma has been appointed Minister for Development Cooperation — a key role for international aid and sustainable development policy in the years ahead.

Announced Additional Investment — But Where Will It Go?

The new government announced it will invest €257 million per year “extra” in the area of development cooperation. At first glance, this sounds like progress after years of shrinking budgets for international development. Many organisations and advocates welcomed what appeared to be an increase in commitment to global partnerships and sustainable development.

However, reporting from de Volkskrant shows that this investment will not actually go to traditional development aid programmes, despite the earlier coalition agreement language suggesting so. Instead, the €257 million over the next ten years is being redirected to domestic priorities such as asylum accommodation, not the international development objectives that many civil society groups had hoped to see funded.

This shift comes after dramatic previous cuts amounting to €2.4 billion in development cooperation budgets under earlier governments — cuts that have already significantly weakened long-term programmes, organisational capacities, and the Netherlands’ reputation as a reliable donor. Many organisations had expected the new funds to compensate at least in part for those reductions.

Implications for Global Development Priorities

The Volkskrant reporting suggests that, although the new government talks about investing more, the actual allocation does not support key international development areas such as:

• Human rights programming

• Education initiatives in partner countries

• Agricultural development and food security

• Strengthening civil society in regions affected by inequality and conflict

These areas are among those already under financial stress and are central to sustainable development outcomes. The current budget direction raises concerns that rhetoric about global solidarity may not be matched with meaningful resource commitments in practice.

Our Call to the New Government

We recognise the political challenges that a minority government faces and appreciate that international development remains on the formal agenda. But words must turn into concrete action.

To the cabinet of Rob Jetten, Sjoerd Sjoerdsma, and the governing parties D66, CDA and VVD, we say:

“Put your money where your mouth is.”

The Netherlands has a long tradition of supporting global development efforts. If the government’s words about international cooperation are sincere, then the budgetary allocations must reflect real investment in people, partners, and progress around the world — not merely domestic reprioritisation.

Invest in international development with clarity and purpose:

• Fund programmes that reach partner countries directly

• Support civil society organisations working on human rights, education, and agriculture

• Reverse the effects of previous cuts through targeted, sustained funding

Only then can the Netherlands live up to its ambitions of being a dependable partner on the world stage.

©Tweede Kamer der Staten-Generaal on the pictures.