Six OECS countries with Citizenship by Investment programs agreed to send a high-level mission to Brussels after the EU moved to end visa-free access for the sub-region.
The leaders want direct talks with top EU officials to address concerns over CBI schemes, while pressing the bloc to consider the economic vulnerabilities of small island states.
Their statement said recent reforms have tightened due diligence, transparency and information-sharing, and highlighted the new Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority as a regional oversight step.
CBI revenue remains central to climate resilience, disaster recovery, infrastructure, healthcare and fiscal stability, the leaders said, warning any transition must include safeguards and alternative financing.
Ministers, ambassadors and senior officials were ordered to coordinate outreach to EU institutions and key capitals, as the bloc and the Eastern Caribbean explore a broader framework for future cooperation.
Is the EU's visa ultimatum a security measure or economic pressure on vulnerable island nations?
Can Caribbean states fund climate resilience if forced to scrap their lucrative 'golden passport' programs?
Schengen Access at Stake: EU Pressures OECS to Dismantle Citizenship-by-Investment Programs
Overview
The European Union’s revised Visa Suspension Mechanism has triggered an immediate crisis for OECS countries by demanding the phase-out of their Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs, which the EU views as security risks. In response, OECS leaders launched a coordinated diplomatic effort, stressing that CBI programs are vital for their economies and that any changes must consider the unique vulnerabilities of small island states. This standoff highlights a core conflict between the EU’s security concerns and the OECS’s economic needs, driving urgent negotiations and reforms as the region seeks to protect its sovereignty and financial stability.