President von der Leyens visit to the Caribbean was a significant step in deepening EU-Caribbean relations. Invited by CARICOM Chair, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, she met with the leaders of the Caribbean Community at the 48th CARICOM meeting. The visit aimed to strengthen the EUs presence and prepare for the upcoming EU-CELAC Summit.
Europe, in an era of global competition, emphasizes openness and partnership. This visit is part of the EUs strategy to forge new alliances, building on recent deals with Mercosur, Mexico, and Malaysia.
Von der Leyen stated: Though separated by an ocean, Europe and the Caribbean are close allies. We share interests and values, including support for Ukraine. Europe stands with the Caribbean in combating climate change, enhancing trade, and boosting investments through the Global Gateway.
Discussions also focused on Haiti, with the EU committing to Haitis recovery. A €19.5 million support package was announced to aid Haitis economic stability and essential services.
Von der Leyen highlighted the EUs role in supporting Caribbean partners against climate change. As a leader in climate finance, the EU is dedicated to innovative financial solutions and promoting private investments.
The EU and the Caribbean are enhancing their energy partnership, following the Global Energy Transition Forum launch by von der Leyen in Davos. Seven Caribbean nations joined this initiative, aiming to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030.
Von der Leyen emphasized the EUs reliability as a trade and investment partner, launching projects under the Global Gateway strategy on renewable energy, digital transformation, and economic resilience, aimed at a stronger, greener Caribbean.
Key Projects:
Renewable Energy Expansion: Projects in 13 Caribbean countries are leveraging European technology. A €160 million green hydrogen project in Barbados was announced.
Digital Connectivity: A Memorandum of Understanding was signed to improve satellite internet connectivity. The EU and Spain will provide a €10 million grant for broadband expansion.
Pharmaceutical Production: An €8.9 million investment to align local production with European standards was announced. Biomed Xs investment in Barbados will bolster research and manufacturing.
Post-Hurricane Reconstruction: EU aids Grenadas islands in becoming 100% renewable energy-powered, serving as a model for climate resilience.
Sargassum Challenge: The EU turns the sargassum seaweed challenge into an opportunity with a €386 million initiative, developing sustainable value chains in Grenada.
For More Information
Opening remarks by President von der Leyen at the CARICOM Conference
Statement at the joint press conference with Barbadian Prime Minister Mottley