Saba was represented by Commissioner for EU Funds Eviton Heyliger, Deputy Island Secretary Michelle van Duin, and Senior Policy Advisor Lukas van der Steen, with support from Bianca Peters, Liaison of the Cabinet of the Special Envoy for the BES islands.

What are OCTs?

OCTs are countries and territories that have a constitutional link with EU Member States, including the Netherlands, France, and Denmark. While they are not part of the EU, they benefit from a special partnership. For islands such as Saba, this cooperation is essential in addressing shared challenges such as geographic isolation, high costs of living, limited space, and vulnerability to climate change.

Future EU–OCT partnership

The relationship between the EU and the OCTs is set out in the Overseas Association Decision (DOAG). A new decision for the period 2028–2034 is currently being negotiated and was a key topic during the conference.

The proposal includes an increase in funding to €999 million for OCTs, including Greenland. Saba emphasized the importance of ensuring that small islands can effectively access EU programs and initiatives, which are often complex and resource intensive. Through the OCT Association (OCTA), Saba works together with other OCTs to strengthen representation in Brussels and promote shared priorities.

Global Gateway and regional cooperation

The EU presented a new direction to align investment in OCTs with its Global Gateway strategy, focusing more strongly on regional cooperation. This includes collaboration with neighboring islands, including outermost regions and autonomous Caribbean countries.

Key priorities identified for the region include maritime and digital connectivity, renewable energy and energy networks, sargassum, and disaster risk management. During the conference, waste management was also highlighted as an important area for regional cooperation.

For Saba, this approach creates opportunities to work more closely with neighboring islands on shared challenges such as transport, supply chains, and sustainable infrastructure.

EU projects on Saba

The conference also provided an opportunity to present progress on ongoing EU-supported projects on Saba. These include the next phase of the solar park, initiatives on biosecurity and invasive species, collaboration on disaster preparedness, and knowledge exchange focused on adult education and cultural development.

In the coming period, new regional programs on food security and biodiversity, as well as culture and creative industries, are expected to be launched. These initiatives contribute to a more resilient, sustainable, and connected Saba.

The Public Entity will continue to work with regional and European partners to turn these opportunities into concrete results for the island. More information about EU funding is available at the website of the Cabinet of the Special Envoy for the BES islands.