European External Action Service
European External Action Service
09/10/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/10/2025 01:45
Commissioner Síkela visit to PNG: Strengthening ties between the European Union and Papua New Guinea
As Papua New Guinea (PNG) goes into festive mode to commemorate its 50th Independence Anniversary, the European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela is visiting the country on 11-12 September to advance the European Union's (EU) longstanding partnership with PNG, a relationship that stretches back to 1977. During his visit, the Commissioner and the Minister for National Planning, Ano Pala, are signing a new EU budget support programme for state building and resilience in PNG.
The €25.6 million (approximately PGK125 million) programme aims to enhance sustainable forest management, address challenges posed by climate change, improve access to clean water, and strengthen governance so that institutions can serve citizens more effectively and provide better access to justice. In addition, the Commissioner announced the last €1 million disbursement of the ongoing budget support programme for good governance.
Commissioner Síkela said:
I am honoured to visit Papua New Guinea to celebrate with you the country's 50th independence anniversary. The cooperation between PNG and the European Union has been an important part of these past decades. And I believe that the newly signed budget support to enhance forest conservation, climate change responses, water and governance in PNG will allow us to make our partnership grow even stronger under the EU's Global Gateway investment strategy. Together we can create tangible benefits to local communities by boosting sustainable economic growth and bolstering their capacity to tackle climate challenges.
The Commissioner is visiting PNG following his participation in the first EU-Pacific Business Forum in Fiji, where he announced a nearly €300 million investment package between the EU and the Pacific, including PNG.
During his visit, Commissioner Síkela is meeting with leading representatives of the PNG Government to strengthen the EU-PNG partnership through the EU Global Gateway strategy, particularly by mobilising investments in transport connectivity and climate-resilient infrastructure. The discussions will follow up on progress in the investment projects in water sector and the Rabaul port rehabilitation after the visit of European representatives, including the European Investment Bank, in July. The implementation of both projects will enable PNG to leverage European expertise and resources to drive sustainable development and improve infrastructure, in line with both local and regional goals.
The EU has been a vital development ally for PNG, focusing on important sectors such as forestry, climate change and biodiversity; water and sanitation (WaSH); good governance; and economic development. Adding to this, trade relations between the EU and PNG are robust and grounded in the interim Economic Partnership Agreement, with PNG as one of its pioneering signatories.
About the European Commission
The European Commission is the executive arm of the European Union, tasked with proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding EU treaties, and managing daily operations. Comprising 27 Commissioners, one from each EU member state, the Commission is led by a President serving a five-year term. It plays a pivotal role in shaping EU policy, ensuring compliance with EU laws, and promoting unity and cooperation among member states.
Beyond its internal responsibilities, the European Commission represents the EU on the global stage, negotiating trade agreements and managing international aid and development efforts. Its actions aim to enhance the EU's global influence, addressing challenges like climate change and international security. The Commission is instrumental in building a unified internal market while establishing the EU as a leading global actor.
About Commissioner Jozef Síkela
Mr. Jozef Síkela is a distinguished politician from the Czech Republic, where he has played a significant role in shaping the nation's economic and energy policies. Before his tenure as a European Commissioner, Síkela built an extensive career in banking and finance, holding various leadership positions that equipped him with deep insights into economic strategies and international market dynamics. His expertise and pragmatic approach have been central to his work in the EU, particularly in the realm of energy policy, where he advocates for sustainable solutions and energy security across Europe.
About Global Gateway
Global Gateway is the EU's positive offer to reduce the worldwide investment disparity and boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems.
The Global Gateway strategy embodies a Team Europe approach that brings together the European Union, EU Member States, and European development finance institutions. This approach aims to mobilise up to €300 billion in public and private investments from 2021 to 2027, creating essential links rather than dependencies, and closing the global investment gap.
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