Bonaire is a Dutch Overseas Country and Territory (OCT) in the Caribbean region. It is a public entity of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, having gained this status after the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles in October 2010. Together with the OCTs Sint Eustatius and Saba, it forms the Caribbean Netherlands. The population totalled 22 573 inhabitants in 2022. Its economy is mainly based on tourism as the island is rated among the best diving locations in the world.
Our priorities
The current framework of EU cooperation with Bonaire is set in the Decision on the Overseas Association including Greenland (DOAG) adopted on 5 October 2021, which aims to support the government in its efforts to promote sustainable development.
For the 2021-2027 period, the sector of intervention is water management and sanitation (EUR 4.6 million), where the focus is on helping the island to safeguard and restore ecological processes. Population growth and increased economic activity (primarily in the tourism industry) have led to increased impact from wastewater and the production of solid waste.
The choice of water management and sanitation is in line with the goals and cooperation areas set out by the DOAG. Furthermore, water management and sanitation are one of the top priorities of the European Commission, linked to the objectives of the Green Deal and Global Gateway investment priorities, especially when it comes to investment in clean and green infrastructures.
Our impact
The EU’s 11th European Development Fund (EDF) territorial programme on youth (EUR 3.95 million) supported Bonaire in achieving three key milestones: i) the adoption of childcare regulation, ii) the operationalisation of two comprehensive child development centres and iii) a pilot initiative of inclusive childcare for children with special needs.
Bonaire was also selected to host a Galileo Sensor Station (GSS). This is an important achievement, both for Bonaire and the EU. Galileo contributes to Europe’s strategic autonomy. This excellent system provides our citizens with orientation through safer navigation. Investments in these areas will foster green growth and increase OCTs’ potential as gateways towards their neighbouring regions.
Our programmes
Cooperation with Bonaire is channelled mainly through the territorial cooperation (11th EDF on youth and 2021-27 on water and sanitation).
In addition, Bonaire benefits from regional cooperation. This includes the 11th EDF Caribbean regional programme RESEMBID (EUR 42.67 million) on resilience, sustainable energy, and marine biodiversity and in the future the 2021-2027 Caribbean regional programme (EUR 21 million) on the sustainable management of Caribbean OCT’s natural capital. The regional Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP) for Caribbean OCTs was adopted in November 2022. The focus will be the strategic themes of intervention of biodiversity, water management and food security.
Bonaire is also participating in the 11th EDF all-OCTs thematic programme (Green Overseas-GO, EUR 17.8 million) on sustainable energy and enhanced resilience to climate change. The programme will finance technical assistance, studies, pilot projects and trainings for the beneficiaries individually and in thematic clusters.
Bonaire will be eligible to the DOAG’s dedicated intra-regional envelop for all OCTs and for the period 2021-2027 (EUR 15 million). Intraregional cooperation is a vital aspect of the EU's approach to OCTs, as it promotes closer ties and collaboration notably with neighbouring countries, outermost regions, and regional organisations through pilot actions.
OCTs, including Bonaire, can also take part in other EU funding programmes, as a matter of principle, such as TAIEX/Twinning, InvestEU, LIFE, Horizon Europe and Erasmus+. Bonaire participated to 1 ERASMUS+ project during the period 2014-2020. OCTs can also benefit from the thematic part and rapid response actions of the NDICI as well from the Humanitarian Aid Instrument. Caribbean OCTs can also participate in the Caribbean INTERREG programme for 2021-2027.
Additionally, Bonaire, as part of the BES Islands (Dutch Caribbean Islands) with Sint Eustatius and Saba, is among the 30 selected Clean energy for EU islands aiming to achieve complete energy independence by 2030. Bonaire is committed to elevate the proportion of renewables in its energy portfolio, ensuring clean, reliable, and affordable energy for its population.
Finally, youth from Bonaire are participating in the OCT-Youth Network which aims to increase the ties between young people living in OCTs and the European Union and enhance the knowledge and involvement of young people in the EU-OCT partnership.