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Wednesday, Feb 26, 2025
Outside the box.
EU's Strategic Outreach: von der Leyen Engages with CARICOM Leaders in Barbados
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasizes collaborative ties with Caribbean nations amid global challenges.
Brussels – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has concluded a two-day visit to Bridgetown, Barbados, where she attended the 48th Ordinary Session of the Caribbean Community Conference (CARICOM).
The visit, hosted by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, involved discussions with the leaders of 15 Caribbean countries, highlighting the strong ties and shared values between Europe and the Caribbean, particularly their unified support for Ukraine in the face of conflict.
This diplomatic engagement aligns with the European Commission's strategy to fortify strategic partnerships globally.
Recent agreements with regional blocs such as MERCOSUR, as well as nations like Mexico and Malaysia, signify the EU's commitment to expanding its influence in the Caribbean and beyond.
Future outreach efforts are also planned, including visits to South Africa and India, with an EU-Central Asia summit scheduled for April.
During her address, von der Leyen articulated the EU's desire to be a reliable partner in a world characterized by competing global powers.
She remarked on the ongoing geopolitical tensions that necessitate cooperative frameworks rather than transactional dealings.
Her remarks subtly referenced the differing foreign policies of Washington and Moscow, although no countries were named directly.
The discussions included significant topics such as climate change, artificial intelligence, trade, and environmental policies.
Notably, the dialogue included a brief exchange regarding European reparations for colonial slavery, where von der Leyen described slavery as a crime against humanity.
As part of the visit, von der Leyen participated in launching four investment programs and partnerships within the biomedical, pharmaceutical, telecommunications, and clean energy sectors.
Additionally, she announced a €19.5 million aid package aimed at supporting Haiti's recovery efforts following and ongoing crises.
The visit, hosted by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, involved discussions with the leaders of 15 Caribbean countries, highlighting the strong ties and shared values between Europe and the Caribbean, particularly their unified support for Ukraine in the face of conflict.
This diplomatic engagement aligns with the European Commission's strategy to fortify strategic partnerships globally.
Recent agreements with regional blocs such as MERCOSUR, as well as nations like Mexico and Malaysia, signify the EU's commitment to expanding its influence in the Caribbean and beyond.
Future outreach efforts are also planned, including visits to South Africa and India, with an EU-Central Asia summit scheduled for April.
During her address, von der Leyen articulated the EU's desire to be a reliable partner in a world characterized by competing global powers.
She remarked on the ongoing geopolitical tensions that necessitate cooperative frameworks rather than transactional dealings.
Her remarks subtly referenced the differing foreign policies of Washington and Moscow, although no countries were named directly.
The discussions included significant topics such as climate change, artificial intelligence, trade, and environmental policies.
Notably, the dialogue included a brief exchange regarding European reparations for colonial slavery, where von der Leyen described slavery as a crime against humanity.
As part of the visit, von der Leyen participated in launching four investment programs and partnerships within the biomedical, pharmaceutical, telecommunications, and clean energy sectors.
Additionally, she announced a €19.5 million aid package aimed at supporting Haiti's recovery efforts following and ongoing crises.
