Eastern Caribbean leaders reaffirmed support for CBI programmes and announced plans for a high-level mission to Brussels to discuss EU concerns.
Dominica: Prime Minister Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit has shared a public statement, following a meeting with the Heads of Government in the Eastern Caribbean region on Friday, July 10, 2026. Collectively, the leaders released a unified response addressing the European Union’s concerns regarding the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programmes and have announced plans for a high-level mission to Brussels.
Held in Roseau, Dominica, the meeting was chaired by Dominica’s Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, and attended by the region’s leaders including, Philip J. Pierre, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia; Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda; and Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada. Moreover, also present were Dr. Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis; and Godwin Friday, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
This meeting was prompted by the European Commission's revised visa suspension mechanism and recent communication regarding the states’ CBI programmes. The Heads of Government have maintained a unified regional position, addressing the value of CBI programmes to national development and reiterating their commitment to strengthening the programmes’ integrity. They have also said that they remain committed to cooperating with the EU in pursuit of practical and sustainable solutions that safeguard the their countries' development and address EU’s concerns.
Leaders defend CBI Programmes
In the statement, the Heads of Government stressed the importance of the CBI Programmes, stating that the programmes have become pillars of economic resilience and development financing in their countries.
They noted that revenues have helped to support investments in climate resilience, disaster recovery, infrastructure, housing, healthcare, education and fiscal stability. Moreover, because of CBI, countries have been able to respond to natural disasters and reduce reliance on borrowing.
Governments also spoke about the reforms that have been implemented to strengthen the integrity of their programmes, highlighting enhanced due diligence and transparency measures, enhancing information sharing and implementing regional standards.
The leaders also mentioned the establishment of the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority to enhance governance and oversight.
“Through this institution, participating States have demonstrated their collective commitment to harmonized regulation, enhanced compliance, and continuous improvement in accordance with evolving international best practices,” shared the Leaders.
Appeal to the EU
The leaders have appealed that adjustments should consider the vulnerabilities of the small island states, and that any transition should protect their economies and support the development of alternative sources.
“Any transition affecting a significant source of national development financing must be accompanied by a comprehensive framework that safeguards economic stability, protects development gains already achieved, and supports the creation of sustainable alternative sources of financing,” they explained.
Planned Diplomatic Mission to Brussels
For continued dialogue, the leaders plan to travel to Brussels at the earliest opportunity where they will directly engage with the senior EU officials, including the President of the European Commission, the President of the European Council, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
According to the Leaders, these engagements will “seek to deepen mutual understanding of the unique vulnerabilities and development realities of small island developing states, to explore practical and mutually beneficial solutions to the issues identified by the European Union, and to strengthen the longstanding partnership between the European Union and the Eastern Caribbean.”
The Governments have reaffirmed their commitment to open dialogue, continued cooperation and mutually beneficial solutions.