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RELATIONS WITH THE EU

The European Union and Suriname

EU relations and cooperation with Suriname are carried out both on bilateral and regional basis, the latter within the framework of the on-going EU-CELAC and EU-CARIFORUM dialogues.

Suriname’s economy is small with public sector activities, mining and services being the major sectors. The agriculture sector and fisheries contribute a relatively small share of gross domestic product, averaging at about 5-7% annually. Nevertheless, the sector has high potential for contributing to economic diversification, employment generation and adaptation to climate change.

 

EU’s strategic objectives

The EU’s strategic objectives pursued in the current programming period for 2014-2020 include:

  • Strengthening the capacities of the ministry of agriculture and related agencies, as well as the private sector to enable safer, more sustainable and competitive production of selected agricultural products.
  • Safeguarding of ecosystem services, giving priority to locally developed practices and focusing on smallholder agriculture and rural livelihoods, formation of producer groups, the supply and marketing chains, and government efforts to facilitate responsible private investment.

In line with the Human Rights Strategy, the priority areas targeted include:

  • Human rights (domestic violence/trafficking in persons).
  • Business climate.
  • Education.
  • Environment.
  • Climate change.