European Commission Directorate General for Inte : Antigua and Barbuda

Comprising two islands situated on the northern part of the Caribbean arc, Antigua and Barbuda is one of the most prosperous countries in the region. A high-income country with a small open economy, it has relatively good social indicators. The main challenge is to bring about greater diversification of its tourism-dependent economy, a better balance of public finances, regional integration and sustainable development.

EU Cooperation 2014-2020

In the context of the 11 European Development Fund (EDF), a total of €3 million is allocated to cooperation with Antigua and Barbuda. The sector of concentration is Public Finance Management, which builds on previous cooperation.

EU Cooperation 2008-2013

Under the 10 EDF, €3.4 million was allocated to assist the Government in the modernisation of the public sector. EU assistance supported implementation of fiscal and public-sector reforms to improve the policy-making capacity of the Ministry of Finance. It also provided trade-related technical assistance and support for non-state actors (NSAs).

As a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Forum of the Caribbean Group of African, Caribbean and Pacific ACP States (CARIFORUM), Antigua and Barbuda benefits from regional programmes funded under the Caribbean Regional Indicative Programmes.

Antigua and Barbuda is also a signatory of the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), a comprehensive free trade agreement with a strong focus on development cooperation.