Saint Barthélemy

Saint-Barthélemy is a French Overseas Country and Territory (OCT) in the Caribbean region. The population totalled 9 927 inhabitants in 2022. Given its physical characteristics (dry island covering 21 km²), its socio-economic development is based on tourism. This sector is therefore the leading economic activity on this island with over 37% of salaried jobs.

The current framework of EU cooperation with Saint-Barthélemy is set in the Decision on the Overseas Association including Greenland (DOAG) adopted on 5 October 2021, which aims to support the government in its efforts to promote sustainable development.

For the 2021-2027 period, only sector of intervention is disaster risk reduction (EUR 2.5 million), where the focus is on enhancing resilience to climate change through better disaster risk management and digital upgrading.

The choice of disaster risk management is in line with the goals and cooperation areas set out by the DOAG. Furthermore, disaster risk management and climate action are one of the top priorities of the European Commission, linked to the objectives of the Green Deal and to Global Gateway investment priorities, especially when it comes to investment in climate action and digital, through which the EU works with partner countries and territories to deploy digital networks and infrastructures. With enhanced connectivity through a reliable WIFI internet connection throughout the territory and over time, Saint-Barthélemy will have the opportunity to become more integrated into the regional and global digital ecosystem. This action on disaster risk management will also foster the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Reduction.

EU cooperation on disaster risk management will frame for the first time our engagement at territorial level with Saint-Barthélemy.

2017 Hurricane Irma, the strongest hurricane ever registered in the Atlantic Ocean, dramatically affected the people in the Caribbean region causing significant damages also in Saint-Barthélemy. Improving the island’s resilience and reducing the impact of natural disasters, which are getting more frequent due to climate change, has become vital for the island and its residents.

Technology can save lives when a disaster occurs. A resilient internet network is key when a disaster strikes to connect assistance to victims and ensure timely responses. As part of our cooperation, an emergency public Wi-Fi network reliably connected to the fibre cable infrastructure will allow inhabitants to keep communicating and getting help in post-disaster situations. Thanks to these 10 new Wi-Fi hot spots, the island will have the opportunity to be more responsive in times of crisis and become more integrated into the regional and global digital ecosystem.

Cooperation with Saint-Barthélemy is channelled mainly through the territorial cooperation programme (which focused for the 2021-27 on disaster risk management).

In addition, Saint-Barthélemy benefits from regional cooperation through the 11^th EDF Caribbean regional programme (RESEMBID, EUR 42.67 million) on resilience, sustainable energy, and marine biodiversity and from the 2021-2027 Caribbean regional programme (EUR 21 million) on the sustainable management of Caribbean OCT’s natural capital. For the period 2021- 2027 the regional Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP) for Caribbean OCTs was adopted in November 2022. The strategic themes of intervention will be biodiversity, water management and food security.

Saint-Barthélemy is also participating in the 11^th EDF all-OCTs thematic programme (Green Overseas-GO, EUR 17.8 million) on sustainable energy and enhanced resilience to climate change. The programme will finance technical assistance, studies, pilot projects and trainings for the beneficiaries individually and in thematic clusters.

Saint-Barthélemy will also be eligible for the DOAG’s dedicated intra-regional envelop for all OCTs and for the period 2021-2027 (EUR 15 million). Intraregional cooperation is a vital aspect of the EU's approach to OCTs, as it promotes closer ties and collaboration notably with neighbouring countries, outermost regions, and regional organisations through pilot actions. 

OCTs, including Saint-Barthélemy, can also take part in other EU funding programmes, as a matter of principle, such as TAIEX/Twinning, InvestEU, LIFE, Horizon Europe, and Erasmus+. OCTs can also benefit from the thematic part and rapid response actions of the NDICI as well from the Humanitarian Aid Instrument. Caribbean OCTs can also participate in the Caribbean Area INTERREG programme for 2021-2027.

Finally, youth from Saint Barthélemy are participating in the OCT-Youth Network which aims to increase the ties between young people living in OCTs and the European Union and enhance the knowledge and involvement of young people in the EU-OCT partnership.

Council Decision on the association of the Overseas Countries and Territories with the EU

Regulation establishing the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe

Delegation of the European Union to Guyana, for Suriname and with responsibility for Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St Barthelemy, St Eustatius and St Maarten

OCT Youth Network

RESEMBID

Green Overseas

Interreg Caribbean