Jamaica-EU Relations Anchored In Mutual Respect, Shared Values – Senator Johnson Smith

Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, says Jamaica values its long-standing friendship with the European Union (EU), which is based on mutual respect, shared values and a firm commitment to sustainable development.

She noted that the EU has been one of the country’s largest and most consistent partners for development cooperation and assistance, highlighting support in areas such as poverty reduction, gender equality and climate action.

“We’ve moved into a new era under the Neighbourhood Development and International Cooperation Instrument. In addition, the EU has launched and continues to develop the Global Gateway Investment Agenda, which seeks to bring EU investors directly into contact with Jamaican businesses and some government entities in order to support some local infrastructure development,” she said.

Senator Johnson Smith was addressing the official celebration for Europe Day 2026 at the EU offices in Kingston on May 10.

Observed annually on May 9, Europe Day commemorates the 1950 Schuman Declaration which proposed creating the European Coal and Steel Community, marking the foundation of what is now the European Union.

It symbolises peace, unity, and cooperation across the continent.

Senator Johnson Smith said Europe Day is based on the ideals of unity, co-operation, peace and shared prosperity not only among European nations but also across the world. She said it also recognises the EU’s significant role in advancing global priorities, particularly the EU-Jamaica partnership.

The Minister again expressed gratitude to the EU for its tangible and intangible support to the country’s hurricane recovery.

She cited the early, sustained and impactful assistance from the union and member states, including emergency funding, essential supplies, personnel, actual field hospitals with volunteer staff, hospital equipment, generators, vehicles and equipment to support logistics for disaster response and more.

“It really is a true demonstration, not only of friendship in need but of partnership and of support at a most challenging time for our country,” Senator Johnson Smith said.

For her part, Ambassador of the EU to Jamaica, Her Excellency Dr. Erja Askola, said that the EU and its member states stand firmly with the people of Jamaica.

Noting the assistance provided to the country in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, she said that more than US$12 million was mobilised in emergency recovery assistance to help Jamaica restore essential services, recover livelihoods and respond to the immediate needs for shelter, food, water, healthcare and power.

Dr. Askola said that Caribbean small island states are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and there is a need to invest in green and digital transitions, innovation, education, clean energy and human capital.