February 20, 2025
The European Union (EU) has announced new initiatives aimed at strengthening partnerships with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), focusing on pharmaceutical production and clean energy.
The announcement was made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the 48th Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government in Barbados.
As part of the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, the bloc will invest in developing a Caribbean pharmaceutical industry, beginning with Barbados and Guyana.
The initiative, which includes private sector investments, aims to enhance regional pharmaceutical production and reduce reliance on external supply chains, a challenge that became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, the EU has launched a new energy transition partnership with CARICOM.
This initiative seeks to harness renewable energy sources by converting sargassum seaweed, a recurring environmental issue in the region, into a sustainable energy source.
Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also addressed the CARICOM leaders, focusing on the ongoing crisis in Haiti.
He commended CARICOM’s efforts to support democratic restoration through elections and pledged to present a report to the UN Security Council on potential UN actions to help restore stability and security in the country.
The CARICOM summit, themed “Strength in Unity: Forging Caribbean Resilience, Inclusive Growth, and Sustainable Development,” continues as regional leaders discuss key economic, social, and security challenges facing the Caribbean.
