Global Gateway: The European Union to invest close to €300 million in the Pacific

Commissioner Síkela said: “The success of the first EU–Pacific Business Forum shows how much potential we see in the partnership with this region. With close to €300 million in new investments and budget support, we focus on Pacific priorities - from climate resilience and sustainable oceans to renewable energy, digital sovereignty, and food security. These projects will bring tangible benefits for Pacific communities, while also opening new opportunities for Europe. This is what makes our cooperation different: long-term, win-win, and grounded in partnership of equals.”

European Union

The overall investment package focuses on the following strategic sectors: the ocean, climate change and environment; renewable energy; water, sanitation and health; agriculture, trade, governance and infrastructure. 

Ocean, climate change and environment:

The ocean and environment are fundamental to the survival of Pacific communities. For this reason, regional and country-specific initiatives, adding up to €80.2 million, will strengthen sustainability, resilience and climate-supportive businesses across the region, with a focus on Fiji, French Polynesia, New Caledonia and Wallis-et-Futuna. 

Energy:

Regional and local initiatives with a total of €53.3 million will enhance renewable and sustainable energy. At a national level, this will support i.a., a sustainable energy programme in the Solomon Islands, increase the efficiency of the energy sector in Tonga and construct two solar power plants in Papua New Guinea.

Water, sanitation and hygiene:

Efforts to strengthen the water, sanitation and health sector in Papua New Guinea and Samoa are supported with €19 million, ensuring that their people have access to clean water and necessary water services.

Good Governance:

Resilience building and strengthening governance enable quality infrastructure and private sector development. In this context, the EU is providing a total €50.9 million support to the Pacific region with key initiatives in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste.

Agriculture:

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:

Infrastructure investments worth €39.7 million, foreseen for the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Kiribati, will bolster the local livelihoods, employment levels and build connections (Fiu Bridge and Rabaul Port rehabilitation, building of the Port in Kiribati) and, especially, bring lasting economic benefits to the communities.

Trade/Private Sector:

There is no sustainable development without a vibrant private sector, and promoting trade between our regions is key. The EU is providing €26.8 million to bolster trade development and the green and blue economy across the Pacific and Timor-Leste. It is a full-proof way of sustaining local communities, coupled with respecting their environment. Progress is being made with the Pacific private sector by setting up projects such as 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.

Furthermore, 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. 

The EU-Pacific Business Forum will be held every two years, providing a regular platform for strengthening long-term economic ties. 

ENDS

About Global Gateway 

Global Gateway is the EU's positive offer to reduce the worldwide investment disparity and boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems.

The Global Gateway strategy embodies a Team Europe approach that brings together the European Union, EU Member States, and European development finance institutions, including the European Investment Bank. This approach aims to mobilise up to €300 billion in public and private investments from 2021 to 2027, creating essential links rather than dependencies, and closing the global investment gap.

Media contacts: 

Mohammed Nazeem Kasim, EU Press and Information Officer on email: Mohammed-Nazeem.KASIM@eeas.europa.eu or +679 3313 633 (110) 

For More Information

EU-Pacific Business Forum - European Commission

Global Gateway - European Commission