The Netherlands has long appointed ministers to oversee relations with the other territories of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and, historically, the administration of its colonies. From 1959 to 1998, responsibility for kingdom relations was assigned to a cabinet member in addition to their primary ministerial role. In 1998, this portfolio was formally placed under the minister of the Interior, though in practice it is often delegated to a minister without portfolio or state secretary within the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. Eric van der Burg has held this position since 23 February 2026, serving as state secretary for Kingdom Relations and Effective Government.