BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Europe Day, celebrated each year on May 9, marks more than a moment in history. It honors an extraordinary but straightforward vision: to build peace through cooperation. In a world increasingly defined by conflict and fragmentation, that choice remains bold and relevant.
The European Union, now bringing together 27 countries, shows that unity across borders is not only possible but can deliver for Europe and the world. What began as a regional peace project has become a global model of partnership rooted in dialogue, shared purpose, and resilience in uncertain times.
As a citizen of a country that once stood on the other side of Europe’s dividing lines, I’ve witnessed the extraordinary transformation the Union brings—not just in geopolitics but also in the quality of daily life and the wealth of opportunities.
Today, as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues to threaten the stability of our continent, the symbolism of Europe Day feels especially sharp. Because what’s under threat is the notion that no state has the unilateral right to change borders. Peace is at stake – and the idea that it is worth defending.
In this world shaped by uncertainty—conflict, climate change, and rising economic challenges—partnership is no longer a choice. It is a necessity. Few regions align more naturally in values and vision than the Caribbean and the European Union.
We saw this earlier this year when the President of the European Commission visited Barbados for the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting; the highest-level EU visit the region in our shared diplomatic history.
Amid war on Europe’s doorstep, the deliberate decision to be present here—in the Caribbean, at this moment—sent a clear message: the EU’s partnerships are not just maintained in good times; they are deepened in difficult ones.
Across the Caribbean, we are joining efforts to deliver on the region’s priorities. We are seeing results from trade and investment to climate action and digital innovation. Through the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), Caribbean exporters enjoy duty-free access to Europe for their products, while regional consumers can and should benefit from tariff-free European goods.
In the current context of trade war turmoil, the EPA offers unique opportunities for Caribbean businesses and European investors. Under the EU’s Global Gateway—our investment strategy for sustainable, inclusive infrastructure around the globe—we are taking action to drive the clean energy transition, expand satellite connectivity, develop local pharmaceutical capacity, and more.
The global clean energy transition is where we must move faster and more efficiently across our regions. By joining the Global Energy Transition Forum, launched by President von der Leyen in January, we have all committed to tripling renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency by 2030.
That deadline is fast approaching. Through Global Gateway, we are stepping up support for clean energy, digitalization, water management, and sustainable infrastructure—not just in Europe but also in the Caribbean.
However, this partnership is not just about projects or agreements. It is about people. Shared democratic principles and a common commitment to multilateralism bind the EU and the Caribbean.
We are working to strengthen global institutions, climate resilience, and inclusive growth for ourselves and the world. Education is one of the strongest bridges we are building: scholarships and programs for young people and specialized professionals will open better access to Europe’s world-leading universities, research centers, and academic networks.
We are developing joint and double degrees to allow students to study in both regions and gain hands-on experience through internships with European companies.
We also stand with the Caribbean in times of crisis. When Hurricane Beryl struck, the EU responded swiftly with emergency assistance. But our support extends beyond immediate relief – we invest in recovery and long-term resilience, walking alongside Caribbean communities through hardship and hope.
In that same spirit, we support our partner Grenada in rebuilding its electricity grid – not just restoring what was lost but transforming it to run entirely on renewable energy.
The EU will continue to be a reliable and predictable partner—one that believes in fair, rules-based trade, remains invested in long-term progress, technology, and innovation, is committed to open dialogue, and is focused on results. As we look ahead to the CELAC-EU Summit in Colombia in November, the challenge before us is not about agreeing on priorities—we already do. The next step is to focus on delivering on these priorities collectively.
Europe Day is a reminder of what is possible when nations rely on each other. It is also a moment to say thank you to the people of the Caribbean for being a partner grounded in trust, shared values, and a common commitment to building a more just, resilient, and peaceful world.
I remain deeply optimistic about what lies ahead for EU-Caribbean relations. The groundwork is well-established, and the direction is clear – but the momentum is ours to carry forward with vigor.
*Ambassador Malgorzata Wasilewska heads the European Union delegation to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean states, the OECS, and CARICOM/CARIFORUM.
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