Erja Askola | European Union and Jamaica: Why partnership matters more than ever

Every year on May 9, Europe Day, a commemoration of peace, unity, and cooperation,is celebrated. In 1950, only five years after the devastation of the Second World War, six European countries, some of them former enemies, chose reconciliation over rivalry. Through the Schuman Declaration, they committed themselves to a future built not on confrontation, but on peace, integration, shared institutions, and common purpose.

What began as an ambitious integration project gradually evolved into today’s European Union: a union of 27 member states and around 450 million citizens, united by democratic values, human rights and the rule of law, and a belief that cooperation makes nations stronger. 

Seventy-six years later, that vision remains profoundly relevant, perhaps more relevant than ever.

Today’s world is marked by growing uncertainty. Geopolitical tensions are intensifying across continents. Wars continue in Europe’s neighbourhood, while instability affects many parts of the world. Respect for international law and territorial integrity is increasingly challenged. Economies face volatility, and climate shocks and natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe.

Against this backdrop, it can be tempting for countries to retreat inward or lose faith in multilateralism, rules-based international order and global cooperation.

Yet, there is another story unfolding, grounded in partnership, shared values, and resilience. Jamaica is an important part of that story.

Over nearly two years serving as the European Union ambassador to Jamaica, I have had the privilege of witnessing first-hand the strength of the relationship between Jamaica and the European Union. Ours is not a partnership of convenience. It is a relationship built over more than 50 years on trust, mutual respect, and shared convictions.

Today, we want to take this partnership to the next level – stronger politically and economically, closer strategically, and deeper between our peoples.

The European Union and Jamaica stand together as strong allies in international fora on many issues that matter deeply to our citizens. We advocate for respect of democratic principles, international law, sustainable development and higher ambition in climate negotiations, because we share a belief that rules matter, dialogue matters, and partnerships matter.

When Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica last year, the European Union, together with its member states, was among the first to respond, delivering over US$ 12 million in emergency recovery assistance and in-kind support to help restore essential services and to provide shelter, food, water, electricity and healthcare to support affected communities.

Recent high-level engagements between Jamaican and European leaders and politicians reflect the vitality of and importance given to this relationship at the highest levels. But diplomacy alone does not define this partnership. At its heart, the Jamaica–EU relationship is about people.

It is about Jamaican students studying in Europe through Erasmus+ programmes and returning home with new ideas, skills, and international networks. A particularly inspiring initiative has been the joint UN-EU Youth Advisory Group (YAG) established in Jamaica, one of the only such joint initiatives in the world. It reflects our shared belief that young people must have a voice to help shape the future of international cooperation and sustainable development.

The European Union’s engagement in Jamaica is rooted in a simple principle: cooperation works best when it empowers people, develops skills and strengthens local capacity.

This matters especially today because the Caribbean stands on the frontline of the climate crisis. Jamaica and its regional neighbours face vulnerabilities that are disproportionate to their size. 

Resilience in the 21st century cannot mean simply rebuilding after disasters. It must also mean investing in the future, in green and digital transformations, innovation, clean energy, sustainable infrastructure, security and human capital. This is what the EU and Jamaica are focusing on through their vibrant partnership under the Global Gateway investment agenda and other initiatives. 

We are also taking steps to expand trade and investments based on our long-term Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The European Union of 450 million consumers remains one of the most open markets for Jamaican exports, with zero tariffs and quotas on all Jamaican goods entering the EU market. It is also one of the main export markets for Jamaican cultural performances, reggae music in particular. 

Jamaica’s influence extends far beyond its geographic size. Through its culture, diplomacy, entrepreneurial dynamism, sporting excellence, and creativity, Jamaica continues to inspire internationally.

The European Union brings together nations with different languages, histories, and cultures under shared principles and common institutions. Jamaica, too, embodies extraordinary diversity, resilience, and cultural richness. Perhaps this explains why Europeans feel such a strong connection here and why Jamaica feels so welcoming to so many of us.

There is a confidence and optimism in the Jamaican spirit that resonates deeply with Europe’s own belief in openness and possibility.

The European Union will continue to stand firmly for a rules-based international order, for multilateralism, and for partnerships based on equality and mutual respect. Small states must have a voice. International law must matter. Climate commitments must be honoured. 

These principles are not abstract ideals. They are essential foundations for peace, stability, and prosperity in an increasingly interconnected world.

One of Europe’s founding fathers, Robert Schuman, once wrote: “Peace cannot be safeguarded without the making of creative efforts proportionate to the dangers which threaten it.” Those words still resonate powerfully today.

Europe and Jamaica may be separated by geography, but we remain closely connected by values, aspirations, and shared convictions. In a rapidly changing world, our partnership demonstrates that cooperation across borders and cultures is not only possible, it is necessary.

And it is precisely through those creative efforts together that we can build a more peaceful, sustainable, and hopeful future for generations to come.

Dr Erja Askola is the ambassador of the European Union to Jamaica. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com