OECS to Intensify EU Talks on CBI Programmes

OECS leaders are stepping up talks with the European Union as they seek to protect the region’s citizenship by investment programmes.

St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip Pierre said the decision followed a special meeting of regional leaders in Dominica on July 10th.

The meeting was called after the European Union proposed changes to its visa suspension rules that could affect countries operating CBI programmes.

Pierre said regional leaders believe they have already taken major steps to strengthen the programmes through tighter due diligence, greater information sharing, and the establishment of a regional CBI regulator.

The leaders have now agreed to send a high-level delegation to Brussels to press the region’s case directly with European officials.

Pierre said the aim is to address the European Union’s concerns while protecting a programme that provides critical revenue for small island states.