Opening remarks by President António Costa at the EU-Caribbean Leaders' meeting in Santa Marta, Colombia 17:28 On 10 November 2025, European Council President António Costa[...]

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to this meeting today. I thank President Petro and our Colombian friends for their warm hospitality.

First of all, I wish to give my condolences to the victims of the destruction left by Hurricane Melissa. The EU and its member states are providing assistance to the countries affected from day one and will carry on to do so for as long as necessary. If anything, Melissa reminds us the importance to continue our assistance in the region to better prepare and deal with weather disasters.

Holding this meeting reflects our shared determination to give renewed visibility and strategic depth to the EU-Caribbean partnership. The Caribbean is a bridge between our continents, and we share common values: the belief in democracy, human rights, international law, sovereignty, and the rules-based international order. The Samoa Agreement provides a solid foundation to strengthen our political and policy dialogue, including on trade and investment, and to act together in the multilateral system.

The time has come to launch its Caribbean Protocol through the organisation of an EU Caribbean Council of Ministers in the coming months. We are also committed to unlocking new opportunities for sustainable growth. The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) remains the cornerstone of our trade and economic relations and has already brought significant gains. Total trade between the EU and the Caribbean countries more than doubled between 2014 and 2024, reaching more than €22 billion.

Together, we should ensure we continue to seek the full implementation of the agreement and look for ways to maximise its benefits for our businesses and citizens. But partnership also means shared responsibility in times of crisis. This is why the European Union deeply values the principled stance taken by CARICOM at the United Nations in condemning Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. Together, we must uphold the UN Charter, defend multilateralism, and advance peace, security, and respect for human rights worldwide. The international community must also act on the situation in Haiti.

It is a humanitarian tragedy and a threat to regional stability. The EU will not look away. We are supporting the transformation of the Multinational Security Mission into a Gang Suppression Force with stronger capabilities, as defined in the last UNSC Resolution. We will provide €10 million through the Organisation of American States for new Forward Operating Bases. We will also launch a €15 million package to restore essential services and empower communities in Port-au-Prince.

Altogether, the EU has committed over €300 million in humanitarian and development support for Haiti. Because a secure and stable Haiti is essential for the future of the Caribbean, and for all who believe in peace, dignity, and self-determination. The EU's commitment extends to fostering resilience and opportunity across the Caribbean.

Our Global Gateway Investment agenda offers concrete cooperation on digital connectivity, clean energy, transport, and health systems - all vital for innovation and inclusive prosperity across the Caribbean. For example, through Global Gateway the EU supports the deployment of technology and investments to turn the sargassum problem into an economically viable resource. Also through our investment agenda, the EU can help you to improve weather forecasting for disaster risk management or regional satellite connectivity.

Today we are here to listen and this discussion is an opportunity to set priorities, for investment to respond to the needs and ambitions of our Caribbean partners. Back from COP30 in Belém, we are working to operationalise the Loss and Damage Fund, to which the EU and its Member States have been the main contributors. We also value the Caribbean's leadership in advancing reform of the international financial architecture and implement the ideas as they were developed during the Financing for Development Conference in Seville in July 2025.

The outcomes of that conference - the Seville Commitment and the Seville Platform for Action - provide a solid foundation for concrete progress. We fully share your priorities: scaling up grant-based and concessional finance for Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries, strengthening the role of Multilateral Development Banks, and ensuring faster, fairer access to climate finance.

There is a lot that unites us. I hope that together, we can continue building a strong partnership between the European Union and the Caribbean. I look forward to our exchanges.

Thank you.