Prime Minister Gaston Browne has secured the backing of fellow Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) leaders for a coordinated regional response to the European Union’s proposal that Citizenship by Investment (CIP) programmes across the Eastern Caribbean be phased out by June 2028.

The show of regional unity came just one day after Browne urged a collective approach during the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) Monetary Council Meeting in Dominica. At a subsequent meeting of OECS Heads of Government in Roseau, leaders agreed to adopt a common position and launch a joint diplomatic effort aimed at persuading the European Union to reconsider its stance.

Addressing the Monetary Council, Browne argued that Citizenship by Investment programmes remain a vital source of non-tax revenue for several Eastern Caribbean nations and are essential to their economic development and fiscal stability.

He pointed to significant reforms already implemented across the region, including the establishment of the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority, which provides harmonised oversight and strengthens transparency and due diligence standards.

However, Browne warned that despite those reforms, the European Commission’s revised Visa Suspension Mechanism now treats the existence of a Citizenship by Investment programme as a potential basis for suspending visa-free access to the European Union.

He revealed that the Commission has formally requested that OECS countries operating CIP programmes discontinue them by June 1, 2028, with a proposed two-year transition period and a number of interim measures.

“Our Citizenship by Investment Programmes are critical pillars of our non-tax revenue base. They cannot simply be abandoned without viable, credible and sustainable replacement sources of revenue,” Browne said.

He cautioned that ending the programmes without suitable alternatives would have serious consequences for public finances and could undermine investments in infrastructure, climate resilience, healthcare, housing, education and other essential public services across the region.

Following Browne’s appeal, OECS leaders reaffirmed the importance of Citizenship by Investment programmes as a major source of development financing for small island states. They agreed that any future changes must recognise the unique vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and include safeguards to preserve economic stability and development gains.

The leaders also endorsed Browne’s proposal for a coordinated diplomatic strategy, agreeing to send a high-level regional delegation to Brussels to engage directly with senior European Union officials.

In addition, Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Ministers responsible for Citizenship by Investment programmes, ambassadors and senior government officials have been directed to work together and present a unified OECS position during all future discussions with European counterparts.

Welcoming the outcome, Browne described the agreement as a significant demonstration of regional solidarity and a commitment to defending the legitimate economic interests of Eastern Caribbean nations.

“Our Governments will continue to engage the European Commission in a principled and constructive manner consistent with the spirit of our longstanding partnership,” he said.

The Prime Minister reiterated Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of due diligence, transparency and regulatory oversight while defending the sovereign right of independent nations to determine policies that best support their economic development.

He also expressed confidence that continued dialogue and mutual respect could lead to a balanced solution that addresses the European Union’s concerns while recognising the development challenges faced by small island states.

Browne said the strong consensus reached among OECS leaders sends a clear message that the region intends to speak with one voice as negotiations with the European Union move forward.