An important first step
Earlier this month, the government reached an agreement with the opposition party PRO to increase the development cooperation budget by a one-off sum of €328 million in 2026. Although the chosen arrangement – which includes a cash transfer – is far from ideal, this investment marks a much-needed break with the trend following years of cuts to international cooperation.
It is precisely at a time of increasing humanitarian crises, climate-related disasters, food insecurity and global instability that this additional investment is sorely needed. Furthermore, the adopted budget prevents further delays to new grant programmes, including those for civil society organisations working worldwide on peace, human rights and democracy, which are already under severe pressure.
From one-off to structural
The additional funds are welcome, but one-off investments do not provide a sufficient basis for effective policy. International cooperation requires long-term investment and predictability.
That is why this budget is a first step, not an end in itself. The structural cuts remain largely in place, and the link between the development cooperation budget and the international benchmark of 0.7 per cent of GNI has still not been restored. This was also clearly highlighted in the explanations of votes given by both supporters and opponents of the budget. The Senate’s demand for the restoration of this link retains the support of a large majority.
Partos therefore calls on the government and the Senate to reach agreements on a structural increase in the budget during the August decision-making process on the 2027 Budget Memorandum. A first, minimal step towards this is the structural restoration of the link between the development cooperation budget and 0.7 per cent of GNI. This would implement the motions adopted by the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as the international commitments the Netherlands has endorsed within the OECD.
Investing in development cooperation is investing in a more stable, safer and fairer world. This is in the interests of people worldwide and of the Netherlands
Liana Hoornweg, Director of Partos
The fact that the budget has been approved is good news. The additional investment is desperately needed and will prevent key programmes from being delayed yet again. But one-off funding is not enough. International cooperation requires long-term investment and predictability. That is why this must mark the start of a structural recovery of the development cooperation budget. Investing in a more stable and safer world is also investing in the future of the Netherlands.