Dorcas’ response to the Dutch government’s 2027 budget: A valuable step in the right direction
Today, the Dutch government led by Prime Minister Rob Jetten presented its budget for 2027. The budget contains good news for people around the world affected by extreme poverty, exclusion and violence. Over the next three years, the government will invest an additional €1.1 billion in international cooperation, on top of the extra funding set out in the coalition agreement. At a time of growing global inequality, this is a valuable step in the right direction.
Dorcas’ CEO Agnes Kroese comments: ‘Thanks to this additional investment, a quarter of the previous government’s budgetary cuts have been reversed. We very much welcome this decision, since funding for international cooperation and humanitarian assistance is being cut globally. Against this backdrop, every extra euro counts. However, the Netherlands is still far from achieving the international norm of allocating 0.7 per cent of gross national income to international cooperation. We therefore call on the government to set out a credible pathway towards reaching this norm. Investing in international cooperation is crucial, not only for reasons of compassion and solidarity, but also because our future is closely intertwined with that of people living elsewhere.
By investing in international cooperation, we contribute to global stability and security, economic opportunities for young people, resilient communities and a livable planet.’
The documents presented on Prinsjesdag (the Dutch government’s annual budget day) also show that €300 million is being allocated for humanitarian assistance and reconstruction support for Ukraine. Our colleagues in Ukraine witness the consequences of the conflict every day, particularly for people in vulnerable situations, such as older persons and children. We therefore support the additional funding for non-military assistance to Ukraine, especially with another cold winter approaching.
For Dorcas, it is essential that the additional funding reaches those living in vulnerable circumstances. We will therefore continue to closely monitor how these additional resources are allocated and spent.
