EU fishing for allies in Caribbean, von der Leyen meets with CARICOM leaders

Brussels – In line with the European Commission’s strategy to build and intensify strategic partnerships around the world, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen completed her two-day visit to Bridgetown, Barbados, where she attended the 48th ordinary session of the Caribbean Community Conference (CARICOM). Hosted by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, she met with the 15 leaders of Caribbean countries, reaffirming to those present the closeness of the two communities at opposite ends of the Atlantic and how both share firm support for Ukraine.

The visit is in the context of recent agreements with Mercosur, Mexico, and Malaysia. Additional outreach visits to South Africa and India are planned in the future, while an EU–Central Asia summit will be held in April.

“In this world where there is a clear attempt to build spheres of influence, where conflicting visions of the world order are leading to a transactional approach to global affairs,” the president said, alluding, without naming names, to the attitude of Washington and Moscow, “Europe wants to be a correct and trusted partner for all regions of the world that want to work with us.”

A brief exchange between Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell and the president on the subject of European reparations for colonial slavery: “Slavery is a crime against humanity,” she replied.

Climate change, artificial intelligence, trade, and the environment were among the topics discussed. In addition, Von der Leyen has participated in launching four investment programs and partnerships in the biomedical, pharmaceutical, telecommunications, and clean energy sectors and announced a €19.5 million aid package to Haiti.