Mon | Oct 13, 2025

EU ambassador vows ‘no tariffs now or in the future’

Published:Tuesday | May 13, 2025 | 12:14 AM
From left: Olivier Guyonvarch, ambassador of France in Jamaica; José María Fernández López de Turiso, ambassador of Spain in Jamaica; and Alando Terrelonge, state minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; with Dr Erja Askola, ambas
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From left: Olivier Guyonvarch, ambassador of France in Jamaica; José María Fernández López de Turiso, ambassador of Spain in Jamaica; and Alando Terrelonge, state minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; with Dr Erja Askola, ambassador of the EU to Jamaica; Kristina Nigbur-Sammy, charge d’ affaires, Embassy of Germany; and Ellen De Geest, ambassador of Belgium to Jamaica.

The European Union (EU) in Jamaica celebrated Europe Day on May 9 with a reception that held special significance, as it commemorated not only the 75th anniversary of the historic Schuman Declaration that gave birth to the EU, but also 50 years of strong relations between Jamaica and the EU.

Hosted by EU Ambassador to Jamaica, Dr Erja Askola, the event was attended by several ministers of government, including Delroy Chuck, minister of justice; Dr Christopher Tufton, minister of health and wellness; Senator Aubyn Hill, minister of industry, investment and commerce; Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon, minister of education, skills, youth and information; and Alando Terrelonge, minister of state in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

The event also welcomed other distinguished guests from the government, diplomatic corps, international development agencies, civil society and the private sector.

“This evening is not only about Europe. It is about Jamaica and the European Union together,” said Askola in her remarks to the gathering.

“Half a century ago, our relationship began with shared aspirations for development, fairness and human dignity. Today, we stand as like-minded, reliable partners in a deeply rooted partnership of equals.”

She outlined that over the past fifty years, EU’s transformational cooperation has played a pivotal role in supporting Jamaica’s development through grant funding. From roads and schools to police stations, health centres, water systems, and community facilities - EU support has delivered tangible benefits to the Jamaican society.

The partnership has evolved to include support for green and digital transitions and improved connectivity under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy.

STRENGTH OF RELATIONS

Askola also underscored the strength of the EU-Jamaica trade relations, noting that in 2024, the EU was the second largest export destination for Jamaican goods, receiving 16 per cent of Jamaica’s total exports – second only to the United States.

“There are no tariffs and there will be no tariffs on any Jamaican exports entering the EU market! – No tariffs now and no tariffs in the future. Our agreement will hold,” she declared.

Terrelonge commended the EU for its unwavering commitment, noting that “the EU has been pivotal in Jamaica’s development through various frameworks such as the Lomé Conventions, the Cotonou Agreement and now, the Samoa Agreement”

He also highlighted the EU’s broader commitment to peace, progress and sustainable development, noting that the partnership has not only advanced Jamaica’s growth but continues to foster resilience and stability across the Global South.

“As Jamaica’s largest grant donor, the EU remains a vital partner in the country’s development agenda,” he stated.

The event also showcased the vibrancy of the EU-Jamaica partnership, featuring performances by Jamaican and European artistes, including singer and upright bassist, Jamila Falak and keyboardist and singer, David and Stella Grace de Geus. A mini photographic exhibition highlighted key moments from the five decades of EU-Jamaica cooperation.