MPs voice concerns over diplomatic post closures amid budget cuts

Some members of parliament are opposing the plan to close a number of diplomatic posts. The closures are due to budget cuts by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The closures of the consulates in Rio de Janeiro and Antwerp, in particular, have drawn criticism.

The Tweede Kamer, the lower house of the Dutch parliament, discussed the plans to close the embassies in Myanmar, Cuba, Burundi, South Sudan, and Libya, as well as both consulates.

According to caretaker Foreign Minister Ruben Brekelmans, this decision will do “the least harm.” He added that the ministry considered the Netherlands’ interests, the added value, and the costs of the embassies. According to him, the closures of the consulates will have limited consequences.

But Isa Kahraman of NSC said he had “serious concerns” about closing the post in Rio. GroenLinks-PvdA and D66 want to maintain the network of diplomatic posts, particularly in these times of geopolitical tension. Jan Paternotte of D66 is submitting, in any case, a motion calling for the consulates to remain open.

VVD member Eric van der Burg said that he supports the budget cuts imposed on the ministry but wanted to know what the security implications of the closures will be. He also made clear that, for him, this issue is not “non-negotiable.” The PVV was the only party that had no objections to the closures.

Brekelmans said that no irreversible steps will be taken until the end of the year. The plan is to close the embassies and consulates starting next summer.