“And this is already happening when we organize the EPA committees with the region, we always have a specific agenda item on sustainability matters. Uh, relying on the Samoa agreement and, uh, on the key priorities that we have on this matter. But the agreement not only benefits Vanuatu, it also benefits the European Union. We are also benefiting from, uh, expanding export markets in the region. Um, but it is also not only an economic relevance that this agreement has, it's mainly political because we will enhance our relations with countries that are very relevant in the context of the EU Indo-Pacific strategy. So we very much think that the IPA is a strong instrument to advocate for rules based trade and signal a very strong commitment to include the smallest and most vulnerable, vulnerable nations in the global economic opportunities. And this accession will generate a regional trade dynamic. So we are aiming at additional countries in the region to join this EPA in the future. In this sense, I would like to clarify that the European Commission does not have the intention in the short term, to make use of the rendezvous clause and to negotiate a deepening of the scope of the of the EPA. For the time being, we want to focus on its implementation and particularly on the widening, geographical widening on the additional accessions in order to make of this EPA a real regional one. So with this, I just want to encourage the members of the committee to endorse the accession of annatto to the EPA. Many thanks for your attention.”
EU-Vanuatu relations · EU policy on the Indo-Pacific region
“Thank you very much. Good afternoon, honorable chair and members of the cabinet of the of the Committee. Sorry. First of all, I wanted to underline the strong support that the Commission attaches to the accession of Pacific states to the EU Pacific Economic Partnership Agreement. Earlier this year, this committee gave already the consent for the accession of new Tonga and Tuvalu. And we reiterate our appreciation for this. The expansion of the EPA geographically in the region represents a valuable opportunity to deepen our trade relations with the region and also to deliver economic, clear economic benefits for both the Pacific and the EU. First of all, regarding Vanuatu, the Economic Partnership Agreement will provide duty free, quota free access to the European Union market for all goods. And this is an immediate and tangible benefit that will allow Vanuatu to expand their exports in key sectors, like for example in fisheries, the tuna and in the agricultural sector like coconut and derived products. The agreement also ensures predictability and stability in trade relations, and this is a very crucial element for small island economies like Vanuatu. And it provides also the right foundation to attract further investments and to grow their industry and integrate more effectively in global value chains. And the example I referred on fisheries is a very good one to showcase the potential that this economic partnership agreement has with the for the country, because it will provide a streamlined access to the European Union and also encourage sustainable practices that go together with the increased market reach to the EU and the Pacific. Nations like Vanuatu face some of the most severe impacts of on of climate change, and the Economic Partnership Agreement provides a specific platform for dialogue on sustainability matters.”