Dominican Republic

The EU works with the Dominican Republic to support the capacity of key urban transport institutions, increase the capacities of metro lines, and to provide assistance to the preparation and implementation of investments in the Integrated Transport System in Santo Domingo. Our actions include: 

• Increasing Metro Line 2 capacity and continuing work on Metro Line 1, a government priority and Global Gateway Flagship initiative, enlarging metro stations, convoy operations and adapting electronic control systems.
• Supporting the preparation of mass transport infrastructure projects (metro, cable cars, bus rapid transit (BRT), tramway, etc.).
• Supporting active mobility, traffic and parking management, paratransit, fare integration and ticketing, with technical and financial assistance.
• Strengthening the capacity of key institutions (INTRANT, FITRAM, OPRET) for better sector governance.
• Conducting studies on electrifying the public transport fleet and developing non-motorised mobility infrastructure and regulations.
• Raising public awareness and improving institutional coordination to boost non-motorised and green transport alternatives. 

The EU is helping to upgrade the San Cristobal sewer system and strengthen water management to deliver better sanitation for local communities. Our actions include: 

• Repairing and building the sanitation network in the central districts (Madre Vieja, Zona Centro, about 108,000 inhabitants) and ensuring access for vulnerable populations (around 40 percent of total beneficiaries).
• Upgrading the existing wastewater treatment plant with a third treatment line, construction of pumping stations and a pilot plant for septic sludge.
• Strengthening water management systems and building capacity for INAPA (National Institute of Drinking Water and Sanitation) and other responsible institutions, including technical assistance for infrastructure design and financial and operational management.
• Supporting public-private partnerships and mobilising additional financing and partners for a second phase to broaden the project’s scope and sustainability impact.
• Conducting social campaigns to raise awareness on water use and waste management.

The EU supports the development of green bond markets to mobilise capital for climate-resilient, low-carbon development. This includes national and regional actions under the Global Green Bonds Initiative (GGBI), implemented in coordination with international partners and institutions. 

Key actions include: 

• Creating the conditions for issuing sovereign green bonds in the Dominican Republic, with the first bond issued in June 2024.
• Supporting pre- and post-issuance activities through the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), including green tagging and development of a public investment green pipeline.
• Providing technical assistance for the identification of eligible green projects and alignment with international frameworks.
• Carrying out a study on the comparison of EU and Dominican taxonomies (expected to finish by end 2025).
• Helping the private sector and financial institutions design green business models and deliver capacity-building for SMEs and financial actors.

The EU assists the Dominican Republic in its digital transition, with initiatives aimed at strengthening cybersecurity, promoting data protection, and boosting innovation and connectivity across sectors. Our common efforts focus on : 

• Hosting the LAC Cyber Competence Centre (LAC4) to strengthen national and regional cyber resilience.
• Leading cybersecurity cooperation in the region and hosting the first High-Level Dialogue on cybersecurity in February 2024.
• Supporting efforts on national data protection regulation aligned with the GDPR.
• Launching the Digital Connectors programme under the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator to support digital transformation of Dominican companies.
• Signing an MoU with RedClara to promote a National Research and Education Network and prepare for the deployment of BELLA.
• Organising a seminar on digital justice in Santo Domingo in November 2023, as part of a twinning initiative with Spain.

The EU supports the Dominican Republic’s efforts to boost the competitiveness of MSMEs, promote sustainable production practices, and strengthen green public financial management, notably by. 

• Providing budget support to implement national green transition priorities under the Multiannual National Plan for the Public Sector (PNPSP).
• Enhancing MSME competitiveness and promoting sustainable production, circular economy and innovation, with a focus on women, youth and territorial development.
• Supporting digitalisation, trade facilitation and better employability in the private sector.
• Strengthening the business environment to boost green practices and economic inclusion across sectors.
• Improving the sustainability and transparency of public finances.
• Developing green budgeting.

The EU and the Dominican Republic are working together to turn sargassum algae from an environmental threat into an economic opportunity through research, innovation and value chain development. Key actions include: 

• Strengthening research facilities to expand forecasting, mapping and testing of commercial uses for sargassum.
• Supporting the collection, safe extraction, storage and regulation needed for a sustainable sargassum value chain.
• Promoting the transformation of sargassum into bioproducts such as biofuels, fertilisers, building materials and cosmetics.
• De-risking investments and supporting innovative start-ups and pilot projects along the value chain.
• Facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogue through regional conferences and exchanges with governments and the private sector.
• Providing micro-credits and technical assistance to develop sargassum-related projects in the Dominican Republic.