The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda is continuing to evaluate its response to a European Union proposal that would require Caribbean nations to phase out their citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programmes within two years or risk losing visa-free access to the Schengen Area. According to Antigua News Room, the government has made clear that any decision will be guided by the country's national interest and its sovereign right to determine its own economic future.
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant made the disclosure during Thursday's post-Cabinet media briefing, revealing that the issue dominated Wednesday's Cabinet meeting. Ministers received an update on discussions held at a recent Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Heads of Government meeting, where regional leaders addressed the EU's position.
Merchant said OECS leaders reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the sovereignty of member states to pursue their own economic development strategies, while pledging to maintain constructive engagement with the European Union.
Cabinet also reaffirmed the importance of Antigua and Barbuda's CBI programme to the country's economy. As reported by Antigua News Room, Merchant described the programme as a key component of the nation's economic resilience, providing financing for major national development projects, public infrastructure, climate resilience initiatives and debt reduction — all without increasing the tax burden on citizens.
While acknowledging the EU's concerns, the government maintained that Antigua and Barbuda has consistently operated one of the region's strongest due diligence systems. Merchant said successive reforms have strengthened the programme through enhanced background screening, expanded international partnerships and closer collaboration with regional and international stakeholders to ensure it continues to meet high standards of integrity, transparency and security.
Merchant confirmed that Cabinet agreed to examine all available options before determining its formal response to the EU proposal. Ministers agreed that any decision would be guided by the national interest, the long-term sustainability of the economy and the preservation of the country's sovereign right to pursue legitimate economic development policies.
Merchant also disclosed that several stakeholders from the citizenship-by-investment industry were invited to Wednesday's Cabinet meeting to offer their perspectives on the EU proposal.
Antigua and Barbuda will continue working closely with OECS partners and other regional governments to develop a coordinated regional position as discussions with the European Union proceed. Merchant said the government believes continued dialogue with the EU remains the most constructive path toward resolving the matter, with the objective of reaching an outcome that addresses the concerns of both sides while respecting the sovereignty and development priorities of participating Caribbean states.
