The European Union Delegation to the Pacific celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, one of the regional agreements that eventually led to the formation of the European Union.
EU Ambassador to the Pacific Barbara Plinkert told dignitaries, including Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, that “partnership, economic integration, and cooperation are key principles not only within our borders but also worldwide.”
The Ambassador reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to remain a “reliable, consistent, and principled” partner to Fiji and the Pacific.
Speaking on behalf of the Fijian Government, officials acknowledged the historic importance of the Schuman Declaration, which united economic interests to raise living standards and laid the groundwork for a more cohesive Europe. They also recognised the EU’s longstanding support in advancing Fiji’s sustainable development.
The EU has supported work in good governance, climate change mitigation, gender equality, human rights, and disaster risk reduction in Fiji. These areas of collaboration have been further strengthened under the Pacific Protocol of the Samoa Agreement, reinforcing the shared commitment between the EU and the Pacific region.
