The European Union (EU) in Jamaica celebrated Europe Day on May 9 with a reception that also commemorated 50 years of strong relations between Jamaica and the continent.

Europe Day also commemorates the 75th anniversary of the historic Schuman Declaration that gave birth to the EU.

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 Gues. 

A mini photographic exhibition highlighted key moments from the five decades of EU-Jamaica cooperation. Hosted by EU Ambassador to Jamaica, Dr. Erja Askola, the event was attended by several Cabinet ministers, namely Delroy Chuck, Dr Christopher Tufton, Senator Aubyn Hill, Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon and State Minister Alando Terrelonge. 

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

Shared aspiration 

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

The ambassador outlined that over the past fifty years, the 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.

Ambassador 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.”

“We applaud the EU’s commitment to Jamaica’s national priorities through instruments such as the Global Gateway Investment Agenda, which supports critical infrastructure and sustainable economic growth,” Terrelonge said, citing “projects under the Global Gateway such as the transformation of Kingston Harbour into a decarbonised logistics hub, which are already bearing fruit and aligning with our strategic vision.”

The state minister highlighted the EU’s sustained contributions to international peace and development, calling it “proactive diplomacy, vital development assistance, and advocacy for multilateralism have made a tangible difference in countries like Jamaica and across the Global South.”