During the first-ever visit of a European Commission President to the Caribbean, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to deepening its relations and partnership with the region. At the invitation of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Chair, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, President von der Leyen met the 15 leaders of the Caribbean Community during the 48th Regular Meeting of the CARICOM. The visit aims at further strengthening the EU’s presence in the region and lay the groundwork for the EU-CELAC Summit, planned for later this year.
In a new era of harsh geostrategic competition, Europe stands for openness, partnership and outreach. The visit took place in the context of the Commission’s effort to build new partnerships and strengthen old ones, which includes recent agreements with Mercosur, Mexico and Malaysia.
President von der Leyen said:
Europe and the Caribbean may be an ocean apart, but we are close allies. We share so many interests and values, including our mutual support for Ukraine. Europe stands with the Caribbean countries in the fight against climate change, protecting nature and biodiversity, strengthening trade, and boosting investments through Global Gateway. Europe wants to be a fair and trusted partner for all regions of the world that want to work with us.
President von der Leyen also discussed with Caribbean partners the situation in Haiti. She underlined the EU’s commitment to Haiti’s recovery and security and its support to CARICOM efforts in this regard. In this context, a package of €19.5 million EU support was announced during the visit. This new financial support will complement ongoing efforts to deliver essential services to Haitians as well as support the country’s macroeconomic stability.
President von der Leyen highlighted the EU’s commitment to supporting Caribbean partners in fighting climate change and its devastating impact on the islands. As the leading provider of climate finance, the EU is determined to work together on innovative financing, while promoting private sector investments.
At global level, the EU and the Caribbean are stepping up their energy partnership following the launch of the Global Energy Transition Forum by President von der Leyen in Davos last month. She welcomed the 7 countries (Barbados, Guyana, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) that joined the forum during the summit, committing to action to meet the global targets of tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030.
During the visit, President von der Leyen underscored the reliability of the EU as a trade and investment partner to the region working together on mutually beneficial projects. President von der Leyen launched several projects under Europe’s Global Gateway strategy on renewable energy, digital transformation, pharmaceutical production and economic resilience. The projects will invest in a stronger, greener and better connected Caribbean.
Key Global Gateway projects in the Caribbean
Expanding Renewable Energy: Global Gateway energy projects are underway in 13 Caribbean countries, leveraging European expertise, technology, and financing tools. In this context, President von der Leyen and Prime Minister Mottley announced a €160 million green hydrogen storage project by the French company HDF Energy, the first of its kind in the Caribbean.
Advancing the Digital Agenda: The EU and the Caribbean are strengthening their digital partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Caribbean and the European satellite company Hispasat during the CARICOM meeting. It will improve the Caribbean’s satellite internet connectivity and sovereignty within the framework of the EU–LAC Digital Alliance. As part of this initiative, the EU and Spain will provide a €10 million grant to support satellite broadband expansion and promote digital inclusion across the region.
Developing Local Pharmaceutical Production: The EU’s €8.9 million investment to promote local production and regulatory alignment with European standards was also taken forward in the framework of the CARICOM meeting. A joint declaration to cooperate on twinning Caribbean and EU regulatory agencies, capacity-building initiatives, and research collaborations was signed during the meeting. Additionally, the first investment from a European pharmaceutical company, Biomed X in Barbados, will support research and manufacturing, further reinforcing the region’s health resilience.
Supporting Post-Hurricane Reconstruction: As part of the assistance given to Grenada in rebuilding Carriacou and Petite Martinique after Hurricane Beryl, the EU is supporting the islands to become 100% powered by renewable energy. This initiative will serve as a global model for small islands striving for climate resilience.
Combating the Sargassum Challenge: The EU, in collaboration with regional partners, is transforming the environmental and economic challenge of sargassum seaweed into an opportunity for sustainable development. Through an ongoing €386 million Global Gateway initiative, the EU is working with financial institutions such as the European Investment Bank and the private sector to develop sustainable value chains for sargassum, particularly in Grenada.
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Europe and the Caribbean may be an ocean apart, but we are close allies. We share so many interests and values, including our mutual support for Ukraine. Europe stands with the Caribbean countries in the fight against climate change, protecting nature and biodiversity, strengthening trade, and boosting investments through Global Gateway. Europe wants to be a fair and trusted partner for all regions of the world that want to work with us.
Source – EU Commission
Opening remarks by President von der Leyen at the opening ceremony of the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of CARICOM
Bridgetown, 19 February 2025
Thank you so much for your warm welcome, Your Excellency, the Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, President of Barbados,
Prime Minister Mottley, dear Mia,
Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett,
Secretary-General Guterres,
Presidents,
Prime Ministers,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is an honour for me to join you at the Summit of the Caribbean Community. And it is no coincidence that one of my first trips abroad – since being re-elected – brings me to this region. The Caribbean and Europe may sit on different sides of an Ocean. But in recent years, we have decided to stand on the same side of history. You are one of the strongest and most respected voices in the fight against climate change and to protect nature. And we made history together with the Paris agreement and the Loss and Damage Fund. We have championed together a bold reform of the global financial architecture, to address the climate crisis, lift more people out of poverty, and end food insecurity. You have spearheaded this work, including through the Bridgetown Initiative. And then, when Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine, you were the first regional bloc to stand with Ukraine, with Europe, and with international law. You did it because of your unwavering values’ compass. But also, because a lawless world – where might makes right – is just more dangerous for everyone. You have constantly and consistently called for a just peace – not only in Ukraine but also in the Middle East, in Sudan, in Haiti. And yes,honourable Dickon Mitchell, slavery is a crime against humanity. The dignity and the universal rights of every single human being is untouchable and must be defended by all means.You always stood unwaveringly on the side of Human Rights.
Three years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, we live in an even more challenging world. And this is why the Caribbean and Europe need each other more than ever before. Major economies are competing for access to minerals, new technologies and global trade routes. And you know exactly what this means for everybody else. Smaller countries, be they in Europe or the Caribbean, risk not only being squeezed but cut off from global supply chains. You have already faced situations when it was impossible for you to procure batteries or electric cars or vaccines. And this is not just unfair. It is in no one’s interest. Because there are challenges that all countries face – whether large or small, developed or developing. We all need to stop and reverse global warming. We need to protect nature. The foundation of our livelihood. We all need to face rising threats to human health. And we all need to grasp the opportunities of the digital economy, while managing its risks. On challenges like these, we are not in a race against each other. We are in a race against time. So even in a moment of harsh competition, we need to join forces. And this is what brings me here today. In this world where there is a clear attempt by some to build spheres of influence. Where competing visions of the world order are leading to a more transactional approach to global affairs. Where the disruptive potential of intense competition is rising. In this world, Europe’s offer is clear. Let us look for mutual interests and work together.
And our two regions have so many interests in common. In the last few years, our investment partnership has become stronger and deeper. First and foremost, on decarbonisation and nature protection. Europe understands how the fight against climate change is paramount to Caribbean states, because it is intrinsically linked to your very existence. We understand how fundamental it is for small islands to have a front seat at the table where you can be the strong voice you deserve to be for this cause. Let us be very clear. All continents will have to speed up the transition to climate neutrality. We all have to deal with the growing burden of climate change. Its impact is impossible to ignore. Heatwaves across Asia. Floods from Brazil to Indonesia, from Africa to Europe. Hurricanes in the US and the Caribbean. The clock is ticking. And yes, we are one planet. Climate change must still be on top of the global agenda. And its impact on development should be at the same level of priority.
The whole world needs to move towards net zero. Every region should develop its own clean tech value chains. And every region should reap the economic benefits. This is a central goal of our Global Gateway investment programme. Today we are launching a new energy transition partnership, to produce clean energy and clean hydrogen in the Caribbean. But we are also working on the local clean tech value chain. For instance, by turning sargassum, the dangerous seaweed, into a source of clean energy. Together we can build local solutions to the most burning global issues. What we have to do is join forces and tap into this potential.
And there is so much potential here in the Caribbean. You have a skilled workforce, a strong education system, and many rising industries. I know you want to move up in global value chains. And this is an interest we share. Let me take the example of pharma. You all remember the disruptions of COVID, when it was almost impossible to procure not only vaccines but also basic medicines like Paracetamol. Prime Minister Mottley, dear Mia, you have mentioned several times your concern on the silent pandemic of antimicrobial resistance. Today we all understand that every region needs to build its own pharma value chains. This is why we are launching together a package for local pharma production in the Caribbean. It includes Global Gateway and private investments. But also regulatory cooperation. It includes more exchanges between our universities. For research but also for skilling people. All of this to build a Caribbean pharma industry, starting with Barbados and Guyana. Europe has a unique expertise, and we are ready to share it – so you can diversify your economy. Because this is de-risking global value chains. And this is in our interest. This is what I call a true mutual interest.
My third and final example has to do with the digital economy. Some of your countries have a growing start-up scene and are incredibly attractive for digital nomads. But you also face connectivity issues, especially in rural areas and remote islands. But we can fix this together. Europe has safe and reliable satellite infrastructure. And today we announce a new investment in last-mile connectivity in the Caribbean. Because every region has the right to be part of the new age of digital and AI. And we know how crucial AI could be in advancing the SDGs agenda, combatting poverty and fighting inequalities.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In this world of giants, small island states can find a new place at the heart of global value chains. With the right investments, you can play a big role in a digital and decarbonised global economy. And this is so important, not just for your people but also for a more balanced and resilient global economy. In a world of change, we all need reliable partners. And this is what you are to us. Europe will always be ready to listen and to engage with you. A principled, like-minded, and trusted friend. I hope that Europe represents the same for you.
Thank you. Long live the Caribbean. And long live Europe.
Source – EU Commission
Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with Barbadian Prime Minister Mottley
Bridgetown, 19 February 2025
Prime Minister, dear Mia,
Thank you for hosting me here in Barbados. It is indeed the first time that I am here, it is fantastic. It is a big pleasure to join you and our partners at this CARICOM Summit. I have crossed the Atlantic to share with you how much Europe values its partnership with the Caribbean. We live in an unpredictable world. In these times, it is more important than ever to stick together; to stand up for our values; and to deepen ties with friends.
Despite being an ocean apart, Europe and the Caribbean are very close at heart. We are strong and vibrant democracies; we are convinced that it is of big importance to defend multilateralism and the rule of law; we believe in freedom and the right of people to choose their own future. This is why you have been standing with Ukraine since the very beginning of the war. Ukraine is a future member of the European family. So supporting them means also supporting us. And it is important to also call for a just peace not only in Ukraine but also in the Middle East, in Sudan and Haiti, which is what you have always done.
While sharing our values, we also face some of the same challenges. When devastating hurricanes sweep through your islands, like hurricane Beryl last July, Europe wants to be by your side: We provide emergency support to those who have lost everything, we are rebuilding together. Actually, we are currently supporting Grenada to rebuild Carriacou and Petite Martinique with the goal of making the islands 100% powered by renewable energy. And we have just discussed how to strengthen our cooperation in resilience and preparedness, so to work closer together to have a foresight when these natural disasters and extreme weather events, which are often related to climate change, hit.
We know that the fight against climate change is truly existential. In the face of hardship, the Caribbean are showing incredible leadership. Especially you, my dear Mia. You have amplified the voice of small island nations on the global stage, for the benefit of all humanity. This was key, for example, to the launch of the Loss and Damage Fund together at COP29. It amounts to almost USD 750 million in pledge, half of it covered by Europe and its Member States. Because climate financing is another very important challenge. Europe is the leading provider. We contribute well beyond our fair share of the USD 100 billion annual target.
But we know that given the scale of the transition and its urgency, we need new and innovative financing tools – in addition – like green bonds and carbon and nature credits, for example, which is what we are working on. And we need to bring the private sector fully on board, with a smarter use of private and public funds. With your Bridgetown Initiative, dear Mia, you are leading the way to making green and development financing fairer, more accessible and more affordable so that the climate targets can be met.
Another initiative you mentioned is renewable energy. At COP28 we agreed on global targets for renewables and energy efficiency. We want to triple renewable energy and double energy efficiency by 2030. To implement these goals, we created the Global Energy Transition Forum, because only what gets measured gets done, and we really need that the goals on paper are achieved on the ground. And this year, Barbados joined the Global Energy Transition Forum, I am very glad about that, that is great. It will allow us to deliver concrete projects on the ground and unlock more investment for the transition. And I hope that many Caribbean nations will follow your example.
This brings me to our bilateral work. The starting point for us is our investment programme Global Gateway. That is the investment programme abroad for partners. It is already at work – here in Barbados and across the Caribbean. Together with Hydrogen de France we have just signed the first green hydrogen storage project in Barbados. What is important is that renewable energy is homegrown, and therefore it is cheaper: It gives you energy independence and it gives you energy security, and it is the energy of the future, because it is clean energy.
We are, as you said, also working on the health sector. I think both of us have learnt our bitter lessons during COVID-19 and how vulnerable we are. And therefore, we support your pharmaceutical sovereignty. It means vaccines and medication produced in the Caribbean, for the Caribbean, but also to be a hub for the rest of the world. We have just signed a biomedical partnership between BioMedX, a European biotech company, and Barbados. And tomorrow, we will launch ‘PharmaNext’, a project that really boosts innovation and investments across the Atlantic. Because it also aligns the regulatory environment that is so important to move forward.
We have other great projects in the Caribbean. One has really caught my attention: In Barbados and Grenada, we are turning the sargassum threat into an opportunity, and I think it is really smart. We are working to transform this harmful alga into fertiliser, biomass and even cosmetics.This project has, and this is phenomenal, the potential to leverage almost EUR 400 million in investments. And actually, we are bringing thus a harmful alga, fighting a harmful alga but turning it into an opportunity that brings revenue. So it could not be better. Finally, we are bringing the Caribbean closer together and closer to us – with digital connectivity. Tomorrow, we will commit with Spain to deliver high-speed internet via satellite to even the most remote communities here. So the last kilometre that is always so difficult, we are going to manage that now via satellite.
To me, the spirit of Global Gateway is needed more than ever. We are investing in value chains, skills and jobs. We are sharing knowledge and technology for the benefit of both sides. We are looking into a long-term and trusted partnership. And we are convinced that a win-win situation is the most beneficial for our people and our economy.
Thank you very much again for having me here.
Source – EU Commission