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Since becoming an OCT (Overseas Country and Territory), Saint-Barthélemy has ceased to be a peripheral region of the European Union. However, it remains a member state outside the EU, which means it is either totally (Schengen area, VAT area, EU customs territory) or partially (Common Market, EU law) detached from the EU. Nevertheless, this status does not cut the island and its Collectivité off from the European institution. This is particularly true in terms of partnerships and grant opportunities. Thus, on November 11 and 12, a "delegation" from the EU made a stopover in Saint-Barthélemy for a visit to inspect the -almost- completed works.inspection of the almost-finished works, or at least those partly financed by European funds.
Charlotte De Grauw, representative of the Delegation of the European Union to Guyana, and Marti Pera Planas, from the European Commission in Brussels, paid a visit as part of the European Union's programme of assistance to Guyana.The visit was part of an evaluation of the progress made under the Saint-Barthélemy-European Union cooperation program for disaster risk reduction. "With EU budgetary support of 2.5 million euros focused on disaster risk reduction, we are working to strengthen resilience to climate impacts, using digital improvements such as emergency public Wi-Fi connected to infrastructure, the officials commented. With ten new Wi-Fi hotspots, the island will be better equipped to respond in times of crisis, ensuring rapid communication and support for residents. "This partnership aligns with the EU's Green Deal and Global Gateway, which promotes robust climate action and digital infrastructure worldwide.
During their stay, Charlotte De Grauw and Marti Pera Planas visited several infrastructures: the NRO worksite in Saint-Jean, the new fire station of the Service territorial d'incendie et de secours, the watch center, the warning sirens and the post-disaster Wi-Fi network.
As this "inspection" has apparently proved conclusive, the Collectivité territoriale affirms that the second instalment of the European grant, amounting to 875.000 euros out of a total of 2.5 million, should be released before the end of the year.
Charlotte De Grauw et Marti Pera Planas, représentants de l’Union européenne, ici en compagnie du lieutenant Thierry Brin du Stis, ont inspecté les 11 et 12 novembre les infrastructures en cours de réalisation à Saint-Barth qui ont été en partie financées par l’UE.