The Dutch embassy announced on its social media this Tuesday the closure of its diplomatic office in Havana.
The entity explained that last Thursday, April 17, "the Council of Ministers of the Netherlands approved a proposal to introduce changes to the global diplomatic network in light of upcoming budget cuts and the desire to create and maintain an agile and effective network."
"The decision includes the intention to close five embassies and two general consulates. The office in Havana is one of these five embassies. We expect to receive instructions in the coming months regarding the closure date", added the Dutch embassy."
In the final segment of their publication, the European diplomatic mission specified that they will continue their work "until further notice, including public consular services", and that any future changes to services will be announced as soon as they are clear.
The current ambassador submitted his letters of credence to Vice President Salvador Mesa and to Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez just a few months ago, specifically in September 2024.
Closure of diplomatic representations
The diplomatic entities that will be closed are in Bujumbura (Burundi), Havana (Cuba), Juba (South Sudan), Tripoli (Libya), and Yangon (Myanmar), in addition to two general consulates, in Antwerp (Belgium) and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil).
Last week, it was already reported that the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Caspar Veldkamp, had proposed in an official letter to the President of the Dutch House of Representatives the closure of the Dutch embassy in Havana and in other countries as part of a budget-cutting plan.
The closure is part of a broader plan to reduce the budget allocated to embassies, general consulates, and other Dutch representations abroad by 10%. Additionally, in a later phase, there may be the possible closure of four more offices, determined by geopolitical and economic factors.
Veldkamp indicated that, although some diplomatic missions will be closed, there are also plans to open new representations, for example, in Syria, based on the evolution of the situation in that country.
The minister detailed that the decision-making process took into account multiple factors, such as the Dutch interests in each nation, the available “margin of action,” and the operational costs.
In the specific case of Havana, Rangoon, and Tripoli, the effectiveness of maintaining a diplomatic presence in those cities was questioned.
The evaluated aspects included bilateral relations, security, trade, international development, consular services, and the specific characteristics of each mission.
The plan will allow for an estimated structural saving of around 25 million euros. At the same time, it is considered to reduce personnel in other embassies and consulates to protect Dutch interests within the framework of austerity.
Uncomfortable diplomatic post for the Cuban government
In recent years, the Dutch diplomatic mission had been one of the most active in the promotion of civil society in Cuba, supporting activists, independent journalists, and artistic initiatives of a dissenting nature.
The Embassy of the Netherlands has funded exhibitions, theatrical productions, conferences, and film, especially through the Go Cuba Cinema program.
Additionally, it has supported projects focused on issues such as gender violence, circular agriculture, water, cycling, music, ecology, and literature.
Filed under:
