The EU and Vanuatu took stock of bilateral cooperation since the last Political Dialogue meeting, held virtually in May 2022, and updated each other on key developments. Participants underlined their firm commitment to the further deepening and strengthening of their partnership in upholding the rules-based international order with the UN at its core and ensuring that multilateralism is effective and inclusive, including in addressing the challenges related to climate change, biodiversity loss, plastic pollution, economic uncertainties and respective regional security.

The EU referred to ongoing work to realise its priorities with a focus on economic security, addressing the consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine while fostering an ambitious green and resilient transition within its borders and globally. In this context, both sides recognized the importance of urgently implementing the COP28 Dubai Consensus and work together towards COP29, and the definition of a new post-2025 climate finance goal. 

Both parties also agreed that is crucial to implement the provisions of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

After the signature of the Samoa Agreement on 15 November 2023 in Apia, the EU and Vanuatu looked forward to the implementation of the agreement and its Pacific-EU Regional Protocol. The EU and Vanuatu also focused discussions on development cooperation for 2021- 2027 under the Neighbourhood Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI). Both partners expressed appreciation for their longstanding cooperation in the agricultural sector, notably under the successful Vanuatu Value Chain (VaVaC) budget support programme. In addition, the EU presented Global Gateway, its innovative infrastructure investment strategy rooted in partnership, sustainability and the rule of law. During the dialogue, the EU invited Vanuatu for a discussion regarding quality infrastructure investments and possible cooperation with the EU in funding them under the Global Gateway strategy to further solidify the EU-Vanuatu partnership.

The Partnership Dialogue fully reflected the importance that the EU and Vanuatu attach to their shared values, including the rule of law, democracy, and human rights. Vanuatu presented latest progress it made in the fields of good governance, the fight against corruption, promotion of gender equality, tackling gender-based violence and human trafficking. Vanuatu also informed about the ongoing ratification of international Human Rights instruments, and the prospect of establishing a fully-fledged National Human Rights institution. The EU expressed its support for the participation of The Pacific SIDS in the work of the Human Rights Council.

With regards to trade, the EU and Vanuatu discussed the potential that the interim Economic Partnership Agreement (iEPA) between the EU and the Pacific States offers for Vanuatu to increase its trade with the EU. Vanuatu reaffirmed its commitment to submit a request with final offer for the accession to the EPA. The EU reaffirmed its support to Vanuatu’s accession to the EPA for which Vanuatu has notified its interest to the Parties.

Discussions also focused on the need to make progress on common priorities, in particular on taxation and financial governance, including the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing, and the visa issues related to Vanuatu’s investor citizenship schemes. On ocean governance, the EU and Vanuatu looked forward to ratification and implementation of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement. Both aim to strengthen regional fisheries governance, to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The meeting was co-chaired by Ms. Cherol Ala Ianna, Director General of the Prime Minister´s Office and Mr. Niclas Kvarnstrom, Managing Director Asia and Pacific, European External Action Service.

Background

The Samoa Agreement constitutes the framework for collaboration between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP) in a broad range of areas, including the economy and the environment, the fight against poverty and peace and security as well as democracy and political stability. Article 3 of the Samoa Agreement provides for a regular and comprehensive partnership dialogue to exchange information, foster mutual understanding and facilitate the establishment of agreed priorities and shared agendas.