The leaders of Eastern Caribbean countries operating Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes have agreed to mount a unified diplomatic effort with the European Union as concerns grow over proposed changes to the bloc’s visa suspension mechanism.

The decision came during a high-level meeting in Roseau, Dominica, on Friday, where Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda joined Prime Ministers Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica, Philip J. Pierre of Saint Lucia, Dickon Mitchell of Grenada and Dr. Terrance Drew of St. Kitts and Nevis. St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Godwin Friday also attended the discussions.

The meeting focused on recent communication from the European Commission regarding the operation of Citizenship by Investment programmes and the potential implications for visa-free travel to the European Union.

In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the Heads of Government reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a strong partnership with the European Union while defending the role CBI programmes play in the economic development of small island states.

The leaders stressed that participating governments have spent the past several years strengthening their programmes through enhanced due diligence, increased transparency, greater information sharing and the adoption of stricter regional standards.

They also pointed to the establishment of the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority as a major milestone in improving oversight and harmonising regulations across participating countries.

According to the statement, revenues generated through CBI programmes have become an essential source of funding for national development, supporting investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, housing, climate resilience, disaster recovery and fiscal stability.

The leaders argued that any future changes affecting the programmes must take into account the unique vulnerabilities of small island developing states and the significant role CBI revenues play in sustaining their economies.

While acknowledging the European Union’s concerns, the Heads of Government welcomed the European Commission’s willingness to continue discussions and announced plans to undertake a high-level mission to Brussels at the earliest opportunity.

The regional delegation intends to meet with senior European Union officials, including the Presidents of the European Commission and the European Council, as well as the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, to explain the region’s development realities and seek practical solutions that address the concerns of both sides.

The leaders also agreed that discussions should extend beyond Citizenship by Investment to include expanded development cooperation, strategic investment partnerships, climate financing and initiatives aimed at diversifying Caribbean economies.

To support that effort, ministers responsible for foreign affairs and Citizenship by Investment programmes, along with ambassadors and senior government officials, have been directed to coordinate closely and present a unified regional position during engagements with European counterparts.

The Heads of Government expressed confidence that continued dialogue would produce balanced and durable solutions that safeguard both the European Union’s policy objectives and the development priorities of Eastern Caribbean states.