Antigua Cabinet Defends $1 Billion CIP Programme as EU Presses 2-Year Schengen Visa Ultimatum
Updated
Updated · antigua.news · Jul 16
Antigua Cabinet Defends $1 Billion CIP Programme as EU Presses 2-Year Schengen Visa Ultimatum
1 articles · Updated · antigua.news · Jul 16
Summary
Antigua and Barbuda’s Cabinet said it will not dismantle its Citizenship by Investment Programme, even as the EU pushes Caribbean states with such schemes to phase them out within two years to keep Schengen visa-free access.
Billions of dollars from the programme have funded infrastructure, climate resilience, housing, healthcare and debt reduction over the past decade, letting the government finance development without raising taxes.
Cabinet argued the scheme already meets tougher international standards through enhanced due diligence, information-sharing agreements and the new Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority.
Alongside that stance, ministers approved major initiatives in agriculture, national security, education and tourism as part of a broader strategy to strengthen long-term economic resilience.
OECS leaders have backed each state’s right to set its own development policy, and Antigua said it will pursue a coordinated regional response while still seeking a diplomatic solution with Europe.
Antigua chose its investment program over visa-free EU travel. What is the true cost of this economic sovereignty?
As new US and EU travel systems activate, is the value of a Caribbean passport about to collapse?
Antigua & Barbuda Faces EU Deadline: The Future of Citizenship by Investment and Visa-Free Access at Risk
Overview
The European Union has increased its scrutiny of Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs in the Eastern Caribbean, sending formal warnings to Antigua and Barbuda and other OECS countries. This move was anticipated by Antigua and Barbuda, which had already started regional consultations to prepare for the challenge. The EU’s action targets all OECS states with active CBI programs, not just Antigua and Barbuda. In response, Antigua and Barbuda has taken a proactive approach, working with regional partners to address the EU’s concerns and demonstrate readiness to adapt to new international demands.