Communication on the participation of the European Union as permanent observer in the Pacific Community

Further information:

The Pacific region comprises 15 States from the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States and four Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs). The region has a combined land area of 580,000 km2 and a vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of approximately 30 million km2 for a total population of about 12 million people that includes over 500,000 EU citizens.

The EU has strategic interests in the Pacific. Together, the EU and the 15 Pacific States from the ACP Group form a strong coalition to tackle climate change and other global issues, including ocean governance. The Pacific also presents economic and trade opportunities for the EU, notably in relation to fisheries and minerals. Closer ties with the Pacific countries will also strengthen the EU's cooperation with Australia and New Zealand in the region.

The permanent observer status is intended to engage entities within or outside of the Pacific region that have the will and capacity for substantive engagement with the Pacific Community but that do not want, or do not qualify for, membership status. The European Union was invited to become the first permanent observer to the Pacific Community on 11 February 2016.