Antigua and Barbuda is hosting the first plenary session of the Caribbean–European Union Parliamentary Assembly today at the American University of Antigua Convention Centre.
The three-day meeting, running from Feb. 16 to 18, brings together parliamentarians from the Caribbean and the European Union under the Samoa Agreement between the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States and the EU.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for this morning, with Speaker of the House Osbert Frederick set to call the assembly to order, followed by national and regional anthems, a prayer and a solemn address by Prime Minister Gaston Browne.
Delegates are expected to focus initially on climate resilience, the recurring sargassum seaweed crisis and the transition to renewable energy, with discussions on expanding solar and wind power, strengthening energy infrastructure and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Later sessions will address the EU–CARIFORUM Economic Partnership Agreement, investment opportunities under the EU’s Global Gateway initiative, transnational organised crime, territorial integrity issues and the evolving political and security situation in Haiti.
Women’s and Youth forums are being held alongside the plenary to address gender equality, economic participation and youth engagement in climate resilience.
The assembly is scheduled to conclude Wednesday with the adoption of recommendations to the OACPS–EU Council of Ministers and a press conference.