European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, met with leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Tonga to discuss the future of the Pacific protocol established under the Samoa Agreement. This Agreement, signed in November 2023, lays the groundwork for cooperation between the European Union (EU) and 79 nations within the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States.
The protocol aims to enhance collaboration on the ground, promoting the blue economy while improving environmental protection and climate resilience. Commissioner Urpilainen emphasized the importance of robust partnerships amid rising geopolitical tensions, stating, “This period of geopolitical tension and instability demonstrates the critical need for strong, reliable partnerships to protect shared interests and values, such as advancing climate action and upholding the rules-based international order.”
Highlighting the 40-year relationship between the Pacific Island countries and the EU, she noted, “Today, we are strengthening our relations for even greater impact by celebrating and discussing the way forward of the Pacific protocol of the Samoa Agreement.” She pointed out that this partnership is supported by the Global Gateway investment strategy, which aims to drive development, climate action, and sustainable prosperity.
During her visit, Urpilainen held bilateral meetings with high-level representatives from partner nations to discuss cooperative priorities and the role of the EU Global Gateway strategy in promoting sustainable growth in the region. The Commissioner announced several initiatives aimed at fostering a resilient and sustainable future for the Pacific:
In Vanuatu, the final disbursement of €1.2 million under the first phase of the Vanuatu Value Chain Programme will support climate-resilient development for rural communities. In Tonga, a €1 million Technical Assistance program will aid the Ministry of Energy in reforming its energy institutional framework. Samoa will receive a second disbursement of €3.1 million to enhance water resilience and adapt to climate change. Additionally, €2.5 million is allocated for feasibility and design studies for the Multi-Purpose port on Kiritimati Island, aimed at creating economic opportunities for the local community.
Urpilainen visited the EU-funded Climate and WASH Resilience Community Project, which focuses on helping vulnerable households prepare for climate risks, and engaged with local youth and civil society. She underscored the significance of youth participation in policy-making, announcing the launch of the EU Youth Empowerment Fund and the establishment of the EU Youth Sounding Board for the Pacific.
With her background as a schoolteacher and advocate for youth rights, Commissioner Urpilainen stressed her commitment to empowering young voices in the decision-making process, particularly those from the Pacific region.
The Samoa Agreement encompasses 106 nations and about 1.5 billion people, establishing a comprehensive partnership between the EU and the OACPS. It sets forth a framework for strategic partnerships centered on critical areas like environmental sustainability, economic development, security, human rights, and social development. The provisions of the Pacific Protocol align closely with the goals of the PIF 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, strengthening collective responses to global challenges.