The leaders of Eastern Caribbean nations operating Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes have agreed to mount a unified diplomatic campaign with the European Union as concerns mount over proposed changes to the bloc's visa suspension mechanism.
According to Antigua.news, the decision emerged from a high-level meeting held Friday in Roseau, Dominica, where Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda convened alongside Prime Ministers Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica, Philip J. Pierre of Saint Lucia, Dickon Mitchell of Grenada, Dr. Terrance Drew of St. Kitts and Nevis, and Godwin Friday of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The meeting centred on recent communication from the European Commission regarding the operation of CBI programmes and their potential implications for visa-free access to the European Union.
In a joint statement issued following the meeting, the Heads of Government reaffirmed their commitment to a strong partnership with the EU while defending the critical role CBI programmes play in the economic development of small island states.
The leaders highlighted years of work to strengthen their programmes through enhanced due diligence, increased transparency, greater information sharing and the adoption of stricter regional standards. They also pointed to the establishment of the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority as a landmark step in improving oversight and harmonising regulations across the region.
Revenues generated through CBI programmes, the statement noted, have become an essential source of national development funding, supporting infrastructure, healthcare, education, housing, climate resilience, disaster recovery and fiscal stability.
The leaders argued that any future EU changes affecting the programmes must account for the unique vulnerabilities of small island developing states and the central role CBI revenues play in sustaining their economies.
While acknowledging the European Union's concerns, the Heads of Government welcomed the European Commission's willingness to continue dialogue. They announced plans to lead a high-level mission to Brussels at the earliest opportunity, with the regional delegation seeking meetings with senior EU officials — including the Presidents of the European Commission and the European Council, as well as the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy — to present the region's development realities and pursue workable solutions.
The leaders further agreed that discussions should broaden beyond CBI matters to encompass expanded development cooperation, strategic investment partnerships, climate financing and economic diversification initiatives.
To coordinate the effort, ministers responsible for foreign affairs and CBI programmes, along with ambassadors and senior officials, have been directed to align on a unified regional position ahead of engagements with European counterparts.
The Heads of Government expressed confidence that sustained dialogue would yield balanced and lasting solutions capable of addressing both the EU's policy objectives and the development priorities of Eastern Caribbean states.
