Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre says Eastern Caribbean states remain committed to dialogue with the European Union as they seek to address proposed changes to the bloc’s visa suspension mechanism and their potential impact on Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes.
Pierre made the statement following a special regional meeting held in Dominica on Friday, July 10, 2026, where participating Heads of Government discussed the European Union’s proposed revisions and their implications for CBI countries.
The meeting took place during Pierre’s visit to Dominica for the ceremony marking the change of chairmanship of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Monetary Council.
According to the Prime Minister, regional leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining strong relations with the European Union while engaging in constructive discussions on the proposed changes.
“We agreed on one fundamental principle: the relationship between our countries and the European Union is important, and we remain committed to respectful and constructive dialogue,” Pierre stated.
The participating governments also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the integrity, transparency and security of their Citizenship by Investment programmes.
Pierre said significant reforms had already been implemented throughout the region, including improved due diligence procedures, enhanced information sharing mechanisms and the creation of the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority.
“Significant reforms have already been implemented across the region, including stronger due diligence, enhanced information sharing and the establishment of the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority to strengthen oversight and regional cooperation,” he said.
The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of CBI programmes to small island developing states, describing them as a key source of development financing.
“For small island developing states, Citizenship by Investment has become an important source of development financing,” Pierre said.
He added that the programmes have supported investments in critical sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, education, housing, climate resilience and disaster recovery, while helping countries reduce their dependence on borrowing.
Regional leaders also agreed that any future adjustments to existing arrangements must consider the unique challenges faced by small island developing states and protect the development gains achieved through CBI initiatives.
“We also agreed that any future changes to existing arrangements must take account of the unique vulnerabilities of small island developing states and protect the development gains our countries have worked hard to achieve,” Pierre stated.
To advance discussions with the European Union, Caribbean leaders agreed to intensify diplomatic engagement, including a high-level mission to Brussels to meet directly with European officials.
“Our objective is to find practical, balanced solutions that address legitimate concerns while safeguarding the development interests of our region,” Pierre said.
The Prime Minister stressed that Saint Lucia’s priority is preserving the country’s development progress while maintaining its longstanding relationship with the European Union and other international partners.
“For Saint Lucia, our priority is to protect the progress we have made while preserving the strong partnership we enjoy with the European Union and other international partners,” he said.
Pierre maintained that dialogue remains the preferred approach as regional governments work towards a solution that addresses international concerns while supporting the continued development of small island states.
“We believe dialogue remains the best path forward, and we will continue working with our regional colleagues towards a balanced outcome that supports the long-term development of small island states,” he added.