The future relationship between the Virgin Islands (UK) and the European Union (EU) was the focal point of discussions at a one-day workshop this week hosted by the International Affairs Secretariat of the Premier’s Office.

The workshop on last Tuesday brought together 30 senior Government officials, including Premier Ralph T. O’Neal to discuss the questions “Does the European Union matter to the BVI? Can we get more out of it or should we forget it?”

The discussions were based on the Green Paper on Future relations between the EU and the Overseas Countries and Territories which was tabled by the European Commission in June this year.

Residents of the Territory have been invited to review the Green Paper on Future relations between the EU and the Overseas Countries and Territories.

The workshop included two presentations by Consultant to the Government, Mr. Ben Coleman, who explained that the Green Paper constitutes an attempt to thoroughly revise the EU-OCT relationship by facilitating extensive discussion.

“They want to examine the challenges and opportunities to gain input from interested parties,” Coleman told participants, adding that the revision is not about the quantity or source of future EU funding but “more about the philosophy that guides the partnership.”

Of particular importance to the EU, Coleman said, is an examination of how to “step away from the classic development cooperation approach which is poverty focussed and at the same time enhances the competitiveness of the OCT’s and their gradual integration within the regional and world economies.”

Premier O’Neal noted that the expansion of the EU to include some of the poorer European countries has effectively reduced the organisation’s willingness to provide development aid as it did before.

He noted too that the Territory no longer qualifies for bilateral aid but continues to receive EU assistance primarily through regional projects.

The Premier said it is imperative for residents of the Territory to keep abreast of developments in Europe and the international community in general.

 “We have to be up to date on what is happening in the world because it could affect the BVI adversely,” the Premier said.

The EU’s Green Paper can be accessed on Government’s portal at www.bvi.gov.vg. Persons wishing to comment can do so by writing to the International Affairs Secretariat, Haycraft Building, 1 Pasea Estate, Tortola, VG1110. Comments can also be submitted to the secretariat by telephone at 494-1509 and by e-mail, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Comments must be received September 26 to facilitate inclusion in the Territory’s response.

A Green Paper is a discussion document released by the European Commission designed to stimulate debate on a specific issue by inviting individuals and organisations to contribute their views.  A Green Paper may be followed by a white paper, which is an official set of proposals developed into law.

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