European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, visited Tonga to engage with leaders from the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) regarding the future of the Pacific protocol of the Samoa Agreement. The Samoa Agreement, signed in November 2023, outlines a framework for the European Union’s collaboration with 79 nations from the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States.
The protocol aims to enhance on-the-ground cooperation, promoting the blue economy, and improving environmental protection and climate resilience. Commissioner Urpilainen emphasized the importance of robust partnerships during times of geopolitical tension, stating that the collaboration between the Pacific Island Countries and the EU serves as a significant example of these efforts.
She underlined that today’s discussions are aimed at solidifying their relationship to achieve greater effectiveness through the Pacific protocol, which is supported by the Global Gateway investment strategy that focuses on people-centered development, climate action, and sustainable prosperity.
The EU and Pacific Island countries are committed to working together in various multilateral forums to address pressing global issues such as climate change, environmental integrity, and ocean governance. The Samoa Agreement, recently signed in Apia, further solidifies this partnership, with aspirations for a more equitable, sustainable, and peaceful world.
During her time in Tonga, the Commissioner held meetings with representatives from partner countries and other development allies to explore cooperation priorities and analyze how the EU’s Global Gateway strategy can foster sustainable growth in the region.
Several initiatives supporting resilience and sustainability in the Pacific were announced by the Commissioner, including:
– In Vanuatu, the final €1.2 million Budget Support payment will be fully disbursed to aid the Vanuatu Value Chain Programme, which focuses on climate-resilient development for rural communities.
– In Tonga, a €1 million Technical Assistance program will be initiated to help reform the Ministry of Energy’s institutional framework.
– In Samoa, an additional €3.1 million Budget Support will be allocated to improve water resilience in response to climate change.
– In Kiribati, a €2.5 million funding commitment will be made for the feasibility and design studies of a Multi-Purpose port on Kiritimati Island to generate economic opportunities and alleviate overcrowding in Tarawa.
The Commissioner also visited the EU-funded Climate and WASH Resilience Community Project, which supports vulnerable households in preparing for climate risks. She engaged with local youth and civil society, highlighting the significance of youth participation in policymaking and announcing the launch of the EU Youth Empowerment Fund along with plans for the EU Youth Sounding Board for the Pacific.
Urpilainen, with her background in education and experience as a schoolteacher and youth advocate, reiterated her dedication to championing youth rights, empowerment, and access to education. She encouraged ongoing youth engagement, emphasizing the EU’s aim to amplify young voices and includes their perspectives in policy formulations.
The Samoa Agreement represents a significant partnership involving 106 nations and roughly 1.5 billion people, establishing a framework for strategic alliances that concentrate on crucial issues including environmental sustainability, economic development, and governance. The Pacific Protocol’s provisions align closely with the key areas outlined in the PIF 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, reinforcing collaborative responses to global challenges.