BRUSSELS - State Secretary for Kingdom Relations, Alexandra van Huffelen, was in Brussels, together with delegations from Curaçao, Aruba, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba for the annual 'high-level meeting' of the Overseas Countries and Territories Forum (OCTA).
The OCTA brings together countries and overseas territories (OCTs) linked to European Union member states, representatives from those EU member states, and members of the European Parliament. All six islands in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom hold the status of OCTs, with each having its own delegation present in Brussels. The special EU envoy for the BES islands, Edison Rijna, is also in attendance. France and Denmark, along with their respective OCTs, are participating as well, making a total of 13 (is)lands retaining the OCT status post-Brexit.
The primary objective of the Forum is to discuss collaborative initiatives fostering the sustainable development of small island states. In her address, State Secretary Van Huffelen will emphasize the strategic importance of the OCTs for the EU, underscore the significance of collaboration, and advocate for increased accessibility of EU funds for the Caribbean islands. The state secretary will particularly highlight issues crucial to the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, including food security, connectivity through water, air, and digital means, alongside addressing concerns about climate change and energy transition.
The meeting is an essential platform for fostering dialogue and cooperation between the EU and the OCTs, promoting joint efforts for sustainable development in these regions. Further discussions are expected to address pressing challenges and opportunities to strengthen ties between the European Union and its overseas partners.