The Dominican Republic, the Caribbean's second-largest nation with a population just under 11 million, sits at the core of the Atlantic hurricane belt, often enduring severe weather events. As a member of both CARIFORUM and the Central American Regional Integration System (SICA), it ranks among the fastest-growing economies in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Our partnership
The EU-Dominican Republic partnership, aimed at fostering more inclusive, just, and sustainable societies, has allocated over €1 billion in the past 30 years. This cooperation engages the Dominican government, civil society, and the private sector, and is delivered by Team Europe, which includes the EU, the European Investment Bank (EIB), and France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain. With a comprehensive set of instruments, Team Europe focuses on designing, reforming, and implementing key public and sectoral policies, while facilitating funding for impactful changes for people and the environment.
Supporting this partnership and the Global Gateway Investment Agenda, the EU outlined its strategy for 2021-2027 with the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI-Global Europe), focusing on three priorities: boosting economic opportunities, especially for women and youth, enhancing nature and urban environments for people, and promoting a modern, citizen-oriented state. These efforts aim to make the Dominican public administration more accountable, effective, and responsive to citizen needs.
Our flagship initiatives
- Climate action
Environmental needs of the Dominican Republic are taken into particular consideration, with the EU integrating climate change mitigation efforts across its strategy by supporting both the institutional framework and the private sector. Key projects include:
- Developing sustainable urban transport in Santo Domingo to increase access to economic opportunities and reach the national emission reduction objective.
- Implementing integrated waste and water management, including the construction of a water treatment plant in Boca Chica and access to sanitation.
- Advancing climate finance by developing the green bond market in the Dominican Republic to fund the sustainable transition and improve access to finance.
- Digital
The Dominican Republic's leadership and ambition in digital transformation enable a comprehensive digital partnership under the EU-LAC Digital Alliance, emphasising technology design, governance, and usage that prioritise people and their rights. With top European expertise, the EU contributes to simplifying and securing the Dominican public service delivery. The EU-funded LAC Cyber Competence Centre in Santo Domingo is dedicated to bolstering national and regional cyber resilience and capacity.