With a population exceeding 281,000 (as of 2023), Barbados is an island located in the Lesser Antilles, part of the West Indies in the Caribbean. Since July 1976, Barbados has upheld a formal relationship with the European Union (initially the European Economic Community) marked by the establishment of a Delegation office. EU relations and cooperation with Barbados unfold both bilaterally and regionally, the latter within the framework of the EU-CELAC and EU-CARIFORUM dialogues.
Our partnership
The EU supports Barbados in achieving sustainable and inclusive development aligned with the Global Gateway Strategy. This support leverages Barbados’ strategic position in the Caribbean and its dedication to a fair, green and digital transition. The EU-OACPS Partnership Agreement outlines the Caribbean-EU partnership goals, addressing the region's unique challenges, particularly its small economies' vulnerability to external shocks. Objectives include improving environmental sustainability and climate resilience, promoting a diverse, sustainable economy fostering decent jobs, growth, trade, and investment, improving governance, and creating inclusive, secure societies with accountable institutions and where no one is left behind.
Given the specific nature of the EU’s relationship with the Caribbean sub-region, the EU has launched three key partnerships:
- The Caribbean-EU Partnership on the Green Deal
- The Caribbean-EU Partnership on Economic Resilience and Trade
- The Caribbean-EU Partnership on Governance, Security, and Human Development
The EU adopted a Multiannual Indicative Programme for the period 2021-27 under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI-Global Europe). Under that framework, the EU allocated 208 million euros for the Caribbean specific window.
Our flagship initiatives
- Climate and energy
- Transition to renewable energy by fostering investments in solar, wind, geothermal and green hydrogen technology.
- Reduction of water shortages and improvement of wastewater systems with a combination of research, innovation, technology transfer, policy development, risk protection, seed fund and bigger infrastructure projects.
- Climate finance: Mitigating or adapting to the impacts of climate change (green finance and sustainable finance).
- Turning Sargassum algae from a threat to an economic opportunity (e.g. biofuel, water purification, agriculture).
- Establishing the first green hydrogen energy storage cell to store solar energy in the Caribbean contributing to renewable energy transition and grid stability.
- Transport
- Improving maritime connectivity in the Caribbean to foster regional integration, economic growth and food security.
- Health
- Supporting health systems resilience and the digital transformation of health facilities.