In an address at the 48th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting held in Barbados, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, reiterated Europe’s commitment to deeper collaboration with the Caribbean.
“Europe will always be ready to listen and engage with you,” von der Leyen stated, emphasising the importance of solidarity between the two regions.
This summit, von der Leyen noted, is not just another diplomatic event, but a significant opportunity to reinforce the longstanding partnership between Europe and the Caribbean. She highlighted that the Caribbean’s resilience and leadership in the fight against climate change, especially through the Paris Agreement, has made it a critical ally in global efforts to combat environmental crises.
Von der Leyen reflected on the Caribbean’s unwavering support for global peace, citing the region’s early and strong stance with Europe and Ukraine following Russia’s invasion. She also acknowledged CARICOM’s consistent call for justice in global conflicts, from the Middle East to Sudan, and its vocal advocacy for human rights, including its powerful stance on the abolition of slavery.
Addressing the rapidly changing global landscape, von der Leyen stressed that Europe and the Caribbean must join forces more than ever. “In this world of intense competition, we are not in a race against each other, but a race against time,” she said. She underlined the shared challenges both regions face, from climate change to digital innovation, and the need for mutual collaboration in tackling these global issues.
One of the key themes of her speech was the urgent need for a united approach to decarbonisation. “The Caribbean’s future is intrinsically linked to the fight against climate change. It’s not just an environmental issue, but one of survival,” von der Leyen remarked. To that end, Europe is launching a new energy transition partnership with the Caribbean to advance clean energy and hydrogen production, alongside other innovative local solutions, such as converting harmful sargassum seaweed into a source of clean energy.
Von der Leyen also emphasised the importance of building stronger economic ties between the regions, citing the potential to develop local clean tech industries and pharmaceutical value chains. “We must work together to ensure that every region has the opportunity to build its own sustainable and resilient industries, from pharma to digital connectivity,” she stated. With the global economy rapidly evolving, Europe is keen to support the Caribbean in its quest to move up the global value chain, with initiatives aimed at enhancing digital infrastructure and addressing connectivity issues in remote areas.
In closing, von der Leyen reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to a collaborative future with the Caribbean. “In this world of giants, small island states can find a new place at the heart of global value chains. You are principled, like-minded, and trusted partners, and we will always be here to listen and engage,” she concluded, leaving a strong message of unity and hope for the future.
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