Aruba has taken a significant step toward securing future European Union investment for overseas territories, signing a joint declaration alongside all thirteen EU overseas territories and countries during the OCT–EU Forum and associated ministerial conference held on the island from April 9 to 14.
As current president of the Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA), Aruba hosted representatives from the overseas territories, EU member states, and the European Commission. European Commissioner Jozef Síkela and a vice-president of the European Parliament were also in attendance.
The signed declaration establishes the overseas territories’ collective position on the next EU funding program, known as DOAG, covering the 2028–2034 period. The document calls on EU decision-makers to account for the specific economic and geographic challenges these territories face when shaping future funding negotiations.
Forum discussions also addressed concrete investment projects aligned with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, with a focus on infrastructure, sustainability, and economic development.
The conference concluded with an investment forum bringing together governments, businesses, and institutions to exchange ideas on future cooperation opportunities.
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