A GAME-CHANGING commitment has been forged in the Pacific Region with European Union (EU) Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, boldly declaring a new era of partnership. With an investment strategy in focus in the Pacific Region, the EU has unveiled a €300 million investment initiative for the region. It’s one of the biggest investment deals ever between the EU and the Pacific.
This initiative aims to build strong links between Europe and the Pacific, promoting transformative projects in clean energy, agriculture, and digital innovation. “In Europe, we have learned that development that brings long-lasting benefits to society can be achieved only through investments in projects focused on human development, education, training, or regulatory support,” Síkela said.
“Simply to identify potential and turn it into concrete opportunities – this is what the Global Gateway, as well as my visit here to the Pacific, is about.
“This emphasis on human development, freedom, and also sustainability and environmental protection are values that we share. And we should build our partnership upon it.’’
Sikela said high-quality partnerships remained at the heart of the Global Gateway.
“Identifying the priorities of the EU and of our partners to make the most significant impact together,” he said. “The partnership and cooperation under the Global Gateway are not about dependency. It is about dialogue, co-design and mutual benefits.”
Sikela said that in the Pacific, this would translate into working on areas like climate protection, resilient agriculture, clean energy production, water management, transport, and digital connectivity.
“Together, we work on concrete win-win projects that deliver on these priorities, and I believe that this forum, as well as my visit here, will help us progress further.”
Investment Areas
The overall investment package focuses on the following strategic sectors: the ocean, climate change and the environment; renewable energy; water, sanitation, and health; and agriculture, trade, governance, and infrastructure.
The ocean and environment are fundamental to the survival of Pacific communities. For this reason, region-specific and country-specific initiatives, totalling €80.2 million, will enhance sustainability, resilience, and climate-friendly businesses across the region, with a particular focus on Fiji, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and Wallis and Futuna. Regional and local initiatives amounting to €53.3 million will promote renewable and sustainable energy.
At a national level, this will support initiatives such as a sustainable energy programme in the Solomon Islands, improve the efficiency of the energy sector in Tonga, and build two solar power plants in Papua New Guinea.
Efforts to strengthen the water, sanitation, and health sectors in Papua New Guinea and Samoa are supported with €19 million, ensuring their populations have access to clean water and essential water services. Building resilience and strengthening governance support quality infrastructure and private sector growth.
In this context, the EU is providing a total of €50.9 million in support to the Pacific region through key initiatives in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste. The renewed support of €24 million will strengthen value chains in the agricultural sector in Vanuatu and bring a strong stimulus to Tuvalu’s coconut sector.
Infrastructure investments worth €39.7 million, planned for the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Kiribati, will boost local livelihoods, employment levels, and connections (such as Fiu Bridge and Rabaul Port rehabilitation, and the construction of the port in Kiribati). These initiatives will primarily bring lasting economic benefits to the communities.
The EU is providing €26.8 million to strengthen trade development and the Green and Blue Economy across the Pacific and Timor-Leste.
Progress is being made with the Pacific private sector by setting up projects such as the Matanataki Fund, a woman-led private fund addressing the need for increased climate resilience and adaptation in the Pacific Small Islands through private sector mobilisation.
“The EU intends to establish a bilateral EU-Pacific entity that focuses solely on commerce and trade, as a direct outcome and continuity of the Business Forum,’’ Sikela said. “The EU-Pacific Business Forum will be held every two years, providing a regular platform for strengthening long-term economic ties, with details and venue to be confirmed on a later date.”