A celebration of a meaningful partnership and continued collaboration.
On Thursday, the European Union celebrated Europe Day, with Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Sean Sobers applauding the EU for its contributions to the world and, specifically, to the region.
This year marks 51 years since the establishment of diplomatic relationship between Trinidad and Tobago, and the European Union
Minister Sobers paid tribute to this relationship, reflecting on decades of sustained partnership and growth.
“We are proud of the evolution of this partnership, which has taken on a more comprehensive nature by incorporating areas of security, economic relations, and other critical themes. While we are pleased with the evolution of the relationship, we must appreciate the reality that the European Union continues to provide valuable support to Trinidad and Tobago.”
Europe Day is observed annually to commemorate the 1950 Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundation for modern European unity and collaboration.
Ambassador of the EU to Trinidad and Tobago, Cécile Tassin, congratulated this country on its removal from the list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes.
She also recognised the need for solidarity and integration in today’s world.
“Today, in a world marked by growing conflicts and economic pressures, we must continue to defend these values, from support to Ukraine to strengthening defence capabilities, from fighting disinformation to upholding international law. Europe remains committed to stand as a pillar of stability.”
With several new initiatives expected in the coming months, Ambassador Tassin highlighted some of the EU’s ongoing projects.
“Trinidad and Tobago is currently benefiting from several EU regional programmes, supporting, among others, renewable energy, climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, private sector development, governance, digitalisation, security, and human development.”
Through the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement, local businesses stand to benefit from duty- and quota-free access to the European market.
The European Union brings together 27 countries and 450 million people.