European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, has called for deeper cooperation between the EU and the Pacific at the Pacific ACP (PACP) Group Leaders Dialogue in Tonga.
“We already share more than 40 years of successful partnership.
“We have stood alongside one another in multilateral fora to fight for common interests and values – from accelerating climate action to defending the rules-based international order.
“The Samoa Agreement positions us for even greater impact, combining the collective power of the EU and its 27 Member States with the 79 countries of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States. I’d like to thank everyone here today: all the Pacific States part of the Samoa Agreement have signed it.
“With the Samoa agreement we commit to addressing the most pressing challenges, such as climate change, and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, human rights, democracy and good governance” Urpilainen told PACP leaders in Nuku’alofa Monday.
She also emphasised the potential of the Pacific Protocol within the Samoa Agreement, focusing on the blue economy and climate resilience.
“Two of the key priorities we identified together include cultivating the blue economy, and advancing environmental protection and climate resilience.
“I see tremendous potential for progress in these areas.
“The EU seeks to become a climate neutral continent by 2050 – a goal that closely aligns with the priorities in your 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
Through strategic collaboration, I am confident we can advance people-centred development, climate action, and prosperity,” she said.
Urpilainen announced that Team Europe is backing the Global Gateway strategy with a minimum of €650 million (US$725 million), aimed at advancing sustainable development across the Pacific.
“The Global Gateway is the EU’s strategy to boost sustainable and secure connectivity around the world, in cooperation with development finance banks and private sector. It will be the vehicle for implementing the Pacific Protocol.
“Team Europe has committed a minimum of EUR 650 million (US$725 million), towards Global Gateway efforts in the Pacific region, Timor-Leste, Papua-New Guinea and the EU Overseas Countries and Territories.
“The Green Blue Alliance for the Pacific is the key overarching initiative for making a reality of our shared vision in the Pacific. It brings Team Europe together with the Pacific region to advance sustainable development of natural resources,” she said.
In a call to action, Urpilainen urged Pacific leaders to stand united with the EU at upcoming global events like the Summit of the Future and COP29.
“In this period of so much geopolitical tension and instability, it’s important for countries and regions with common values to work together for stronger multilateralism.
“Let’s stand together at upcoming multilateral events, such as the Summit of the Future, COP16, and COP29.
“Let’s work together to leverage the opportunities the Pacific Protocol creates.
And let’s implement the Samoa Agreement’s ambitious goals – for the good of our countries and our people,” Urpilainen emphasised.
With these commitments, Urpilainen positioned the EU as a key partner in the Pacific’s development, reinforcing the region’s role in the global dialogue on sustainability and climate action.
