Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC has welcomed the removal of Trinidad and Tobago from the EU Tax List, saying it “is a major step forward.”
In a statement on Wednesday, she welcomed the announcement that this country had officially been removed from the European Union’s list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes — a designation applied to countries that fail to meet international standards for tax transparency.
She stated that the removal on February 17th, 2026 is a result of hard work by her government since assuming office in April 2025.
“The previous PNM administration failed to take the necessary actions to secure compliance and removal. Since assuming office, your UNC Government moved swiftly and decisively to fix it. Through legislative reform, sustained international engagement, and stronger institutions, we restored credibility and rebuilt trust.”
The Prime Minister said blacklisting constrained investment, limited opportunity, and weakened confidence in this country’s financial system, but in less than a year, the government strengthened laws, enhanced transparency, and put Trinidad and Tobago back on the right track.
“Removal from the list signals clearly to the world: we have met our commitments and reclaimed our standing on the global stage. We inherited an economy under real strain, with fiscal pressures high and confidence low. But we promised action—and we are delivering. Investor interest is rising. Confidence is returning. Momentum is building. Trinidad and Tobago is open for business, compliant, and ready for sustainable growth.”