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Aid, Development cooperation, Fundamental rights
International Partnerships

Haiti

Overview

Haiti is a Caribbean country facing multiple structural development challenges: a high dependence on fossil fuel, vulnerability to natural disasters, political instability, economic fragility, an ongoing food and nutrition crisis, and a persistent cholera epidemic. 

As a result, Haiti is the poorest and most inequitable country in the region with a population of almost 12 million.

Our partnership

Despite a very challenging context, the European Union is determined to remain on the country's side, by gradually adapting its tools and support mechanisms to the new dynamics to be more effective, and help the Haitian population live in dignity. 

The EU's strategic interest in Haiti is to promote sustainable development and poverty reduction, stability and democracy, in line with the Programme Stratégique de Développement d'Haïti (PSDH) 2030 and the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. We are also working to make Haiti better integrated into the Caribbean region, where the EU is present through its overseas territories, and in the international community.  

Since 2022, the EU has pooled its resources in a Team Europe Initiative on strengthening education governance, including Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET), with France, Spain, and Germany. With a special focus on youth and women, a Global Gateway flagship project intends to build a TVET campus inside the CODEVI industrial park, with a public-private partnership to enhance the skills of the workforce. 

We also work closely with the IMF, World Bank and other international partners to align efforts with Haiti’s reform goals. 

The estimation of EU financial contributions to Haiti for the 2021-2027 period is close to €261 million.   

EU-Haitian partnership documents can be found in the 'Related documents' section below. 

Our key initiatives

Human development 

The EU is working with Haiti to set up a stronger foundation for Haiti’s national development, specifically through shoring up its education system and food security. Specific projects include: 

  • The Edikasyon pou viv ansanm programme which supports:
    • Construction of schools and setting up  a TVET Campus
    • Access to education
    • Building up education staff
    • Curricular reform
  • The Multisectoral programme on food and nutrition security (PMSAN) which implements food security and nutrition policy.
  • Post-2021 earthquake recovery.
  • Building agricultural resilience and sustainability.
Security and stabilisation

The EU and Haiti are partners in reducing violence in Haiti, as well as corruption and organised crime. That includes by strengthening the role of civil society (youth in particular) and local authorities. Specific activities include: 

  • Contributing to crisis response and conflict prevention with support for the Haitian National Police and the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti.
  • Integrating youth in helping reduce community violence through a comprehensive socio-economic reinsertion programme in Port-au-Prince and small funds for initiatives in rural areas.
  • Supporting customs administration to mobilise domestic resources and prevent trafficking (arms, drugs, money laundering).
  • Supporting the fight against transnational organised crime and improving regional drug policies.
  • Restoring basic public services and strengthening the resilience of populations in Port-au-Prince. 
Democratic, economic and financial governance

The EU is providing Haiti with support in building up its administrative capabilities. Specific actions include: 

  • Strengthening public financial management and the fight against corruption through budget support.
  • Supporting the integrated territorial management of the North-East region.
  • Supporting civil society organisations during elections and supporting reforms strengthening rule of law and human rights.
  • Strengthening the socio-economic links between Haiti and the Dominican Republic to prevent conflict and promote dialogue. 
Human rights, gender, and justice

Haiti and the EU are supporting the incubation of new and existing human rights organisations. They are piloting projects based on informal community-driven justice, while also supporting specialised legal units to treat serious financial crimes. 

Humanitarian aid

The EU continues to support humanitarian emergency interventions and disaster preparedness initiatives to protect vulnerable populations in Haiti. That includes projects like the EU Humanitarian Air Bridge which delivered medical supplies and relief items in 2024.