During the 48th Caribbean Community (CARICOM) regular meeting, Lithuania, Guyana, and Barbados signed a landmark Joint Declaration to strengthen cooperation in pharmaceutical regulatory services. This agreement reinforces the European Union–Caribbean partnership, supporting institutional cooperation. The conference was attended by regional leaders, heads of governments, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen as well as the Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres.
The Joint Declaration was signed as a part of the conference, highlighting the alignment with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which promotes sustainable investments in key sectors, including health. Through this initiative, the EU and the Caribbean will work together to improve regulatory capacity, strengthen pharmaceutical oversight, and adopt EU standards and best practices.
Speaking at the opening of the 48th CARICOM Conference, Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of building local pharma value chains in each region. She explained that the EU, through the Global Gateway and private investments, will help strengthen the Caribbean pharmaceutical industry by supporting regulatory cooperation, research, and skills development.
“Europe has unique expertise that we are ready to share to help diversify your economy. This is about derisking global value chains, and it is in our interest. This is what I call a true mutual interest,” said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
The EU-funded project “Support to Strengthen Regulatory Frameworks in the Caribbean” will be implemented by Central Project Management Agency (CPVA). It paves the way for closer collaboration between the EU and Caribbean health regulatory agencies, focusing on building regulatory capacity, enhancing expertise and skills development, and ensuring the quality and safety of medicines.
By signing the Declaration, Lithuania, Guyana, and Barbados acknowledge CPVA as leading the cooperation. The Agency will coordinate the exchange of technical expertise, best practices and regulatory knowledge. Additionally, CPVA will help develop joint action plans and work programs to support regulatory maturity and strengthen pharmaceutical oversight.
“This agreement is an important step in strengthening cooperation between the European Union, Lithuania, Guyana, and Barbados in the pharmaceutical sector. By working together, we can improve regulatory standards, support local production, and ensure that people have access to safe and effective medicines. Lithuania is committed to sharing its expertise and contributing to stronger health systems in the Caribbean. This is about real, practical solutions that benefit communities and improve lives,” – said Rytis Paulauskas, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the United Nations, who signed on behalf of Lithuania.
Ernesta Buckienė, Acting Head of the CPVA, who represented the agency at the CARICOM conference, added: “Coordinating this cooperation is both an honour and a responsibility. We will strive to ensure a smooth exchange of knowledge and good practices, thus strengthening regulatory institutions in the Caribbean and ensuring that these reforms have a real and lasting impact in the region.”
This milestone reflects a shared commitment to ensuring safe, effective and high-quality medicines for people across the regions. It also underlines the strategic importance of EU-Caribbean cooperation in building resilient healthcare systems.
