In a letter dated April 17, 2025, to the President of the House of Representatives, Foreign Affairs Minister Caspar Veldkamp outlined a strategic realignment of the Netherlands’ global diplomatic footprint. The move, which aims to trim the mission network’s budget by 10% (equivalent to €70 million), comes amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and a broader government effort to cut costs.

Under the plan, the embassies in Burundi, Cuba (Havana), South Sudan (Juba), Libya (Tripoli), and Myanmar (Yangon) will be closed, along with consulates-general in Antwerp (Belgium) and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). The closure of these seven missions is expected to save €25 million.

Minister Veldkamp said the decision was driven by a need for a “realistic foreign policy” that balances values, economic interests, and national resilience in an increasingly fragmented world.

“Far-reaching changes are under way around the world,” he noted, citing the rise of new power blocs, the assertiveness of China, the resurgence of Russian influence, and the evolving foreign policy orientation of African states.

The closure of the Dutch embassy in Bujumbura is particularly significant, given the Netherlands’ longstanding development cooperation with Burundi. While the letter acknowledges the political and development ties in the Great Lakes region, it notes that the country’s relative geopolitical weight and the scope for diplomatic influence were key considerations in the decision to close the mission.

Security and high operational costs were also factored into the closures of embassies in places like Juba and Tripoli. In these locations, mitigating security risks has become increasingly expensive and complex.

Despite the closures, the Netherlands intends to maintain its diplomatic presence through alternative structures. In Brazil, for instance, the Dutch network includes the embassy in Brasília and two Netherlands Business Support Offices (NBSOs), allowing for continued engagement even after the closure of the consulate-general in Rio de Janeiro. In Belgium, the proximity of the principal mission in Brussels will compensate for the Antwerp consulate’s closure.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasised that all closures will be carefully managed to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities. Other Dutch embassies will assume co-accreditation for countries affected by the closures to maintain consular services and diplomatic relations.

Minister Veldkamp also hinted at the possibility of opening new missions in other parts of the world, including Syria, depending on future geopolitical developments. Details on additional closures and potential expansions are expected to be included in the ministry’s 2026 draft budget.

The Dutch government has announced plans to close five embassies, including its mission in Bujumbura, Burundi, as part of a sweeping reorganisation of its diplomatic network in response to budget cuts.