European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, Wednesday expressed serious concerns over the financial health of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), warning that the organisation’s stability is at risk due to the failure of many member states to pay their dues on time.
The issue came to the forefront during the 117th Session of the OACPS Council of Ministers in Brussels, where OACPS Secretary-General Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti highlighted the organisation’s financial difficulties.
Chikoti noted that the OACPS, which represents 79 member states across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, is struggling to maintain its operations due to a lack of timely contributions from its members.
In an interview with PACNEWS on the margins of Forum Leaders Meeting in Tonga, Commissioner Urpilainen stressed the importance of financial contributions from OACPS member states, emphasising that while the European Union remains a significant supporter of the organisation, it cannot shoulder the entire burden.
“The EU is a strong financial provider to the OACPS Secretariat,” Urpilainen said. “But let’s be clear: the OACPS is an organisation of its member states. We can give our contribution, we can give our share, but the organisation cannot be entirely funded by the European Union.”
The Commissioner highlighted that the European Union has consistently supported the organisation through various funding mechanisms, but the continued delay in member state contributions has created an unsustainable situation.
“I’m fully aware of the challenges that many of the member states face, and I understand the national budgetary constraints, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19 and the ongoing ramifications of Russia’s war against Ukraine,” she explained “However, the foundation of the organisation is not solid; it’s not stable when member states do not fulfill their financial obligations.”
Urpilainen expressed concern that the financial strain could undermine the effectiveness of the OACPS in achieving its goals, which include promoting sustainable development, strengthening trade relations, and addressing global challenges such as climate change.
“My message is that I would like to encourage all member states, despite the financial difficulties they may be facing, to prioritise the payment of their membership fees. It’s crucial for the stability and effectiveness of the organisation,” Urpilainen stated.
The OACPS, formerly known as the African, Caribbean, and Pacific Group of States (ACP), has long relied on both internal and external funding to support its operations. The European Union has been a key partner, providing financial assistance through the European Development Fund and other initiatives. However, the recent financial challenges have raised questions about the sustainability of the organisation if member states do not step up their contributions.
Urpilainen’s call for action comes at a critical time for the OACPS, which is navigating a complex global environment marked by economic uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, and the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
