European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, met with leaders from the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) in Tonga to discuss the future of the Pacific protocol of the Samoa Agreement. The agreement, signed in November 2023, provides a framework for cooperation between the European Union and 79 countries from the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States.
The protocol aims to improve collaboration in various sectors, including the promotion of the blue economy and the enhancement of environmental protection and climate resilience. Commissioner Urpilainen highlighted the importance of strong partnerships during this time of geopolitical tension and instability, emphasizing the need to protect shared values, such as climate action and adherence to the international order.
She stated, “The 40-year cooperation between the Pacific Island Countries and the European Union is a prime example of such a partnership,” and expressed the commitment to strengthen these relations for a greater impact.
Supported by the Global Gateway investment strategy, the protocol facilitates people-centered development, climate action, and sustainable prosperity. Urpilainen noted that the EU and Pacific Island countries collaborate in multilateral forums to address significant global challenges, particularly those concerning climate action and environmental protection.
During her visit to Tonga, Commissioner Urpilainen held meetings with high-level representatives from partner countries and development partners to discuss cooperation priorities and the potential of the EU Global Gateway strategy to support sustainable growth in the region.
She announced several support initiatives aimed at ensuring a resilient future for the Pacific, including a full disbursement of €1.2 million in Vanuatu to assist national policies for climate-resilient development in rural communities, a €1 million technical assistance scheme for Tonga’s Ministry of Energy, and a second budget support disbursement of €3.1 million in Samoa to improve water resilience and adaptation to climate change. Additionally, €2.5 million in funding will be allocated for feasibility studies concerning the construction of a Multi-Purpose port in Kiribati aimed at creating economic opportunities.
The Commissioner also visited the EU-funded Climate and WASH Resilience Community Project, which works to help vulnerable households prepare for climate risks. Engaging with youth and civil society, she underscored the critical role of youth involvement in policy-making, announcing the EU Youth Empowerment Fund and the forthcoming establishment of the EU Youth Sounding Board for the Pacific.
With a background in education and experience as a schoolteacher and youth advocate, Commissioner Urpilainen remains dedicated to promoting youth rights and access to quality education. She encouraged continuous engagement from young people, emphasizing the need to elevate their voices and leadership, particularly in the context of the Pacific.
The Samoa Agreement encompasses 106 nations and around 1.5 billion people, forming a comprehensive partnership with a focus on priorities such as environmental sustainability, climate change, and human rights. The provisions of the Pacific protocol align closely with the thematic areas outlined in the PIF 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, aiming to enhance collective responses to global challenges.