Climate change, Brexit and the post-Cotonou negotiations were high on the agenda of the Caribbean regional meeting of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly held in Paramaribo.

S&D Members pledged to increase cooperation on disaster risk reduction to urgently tackle climate change and its devastating effects which are being acutely felt throughout the Caribbean region. They further held a wide-ranging discussion on the future of EU-Caribbean relations with the changing landscape of Brexit, post-Cotonou and security challenges in the region. 

 

“Caribbean countries are facing some of the harshest effects of climate change, and it is imperative that all of us take urgent action to tackle its cause and effects. Investment in projects for sustainable energy are crucial for green economic development to provide reliable clean power. Sustainable energy also helps to promote general economic growth and create jobs. 

“The Caribbean is extremely well-placed to further develop solar, wind and hydro power. European and Caribbean parliamentarians pledged to step up investment and share best-practice this week and we look forward to turning this into progressive and effective action.”

 

“The Caribbean-EU partnership is undergoing a revitalisation as we negotiate the post-2020 framework, and this week we reaffirmed our joint commitment to maintaining the strong institutions and dialogue between elected politicians in the European Union and Caribbean countries. 

“Our renewed partnership is particularly important as Caribbean parliamentarians expressed their increasing concern at the uncertainty and negative consequences of Brexit, particularly for trade.  As Caribbean Members scrutinise the terms of future trade relations with the UK, S&D Members reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring our EU-Caribbean relations, including the Economic Partnership Agreement, remain dynamic and mutually beneficial.”