The European Union and Belize have reaffirmed their growing diplomatic and economic ties following high-level talks in Belmopan this week, where both sides hailed a “constructive atmosphere” and reiterated their shared commitment to multilateralism and the international rules-based order.
At the centre of the EU-Belize Partnership Dialogue were discussions on development aid, regional cooperation, and global challenges, from Russia’s war on Ukraine to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The meeting also served as a platform for Belize to push for visa-free access to the Schengen area and to update the EU on its increasingly active role within CARICOM and the Central American Integration System (SICA).
The annual dialogue, co-chaired by Belize’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Culture and Immigration, Hon. Francis Fonseca, and EU Ambassador Erja Askola, comes at a crucial time as both parties navigate a changing geopolitical landscape and prepare for the upcoming EU-CELAC Summit in Colombia this November.
According to a joint statement, the EU and Belize “are aligned on many critical global issues” and are determined to “respect the international legal order and promote multilateralism.” Topics discussed included the worsening situation in Haiti, the ramifications of Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine, and the devastating war in Gaza.
Belize, long a proponent of diplomacy over military action, emphasised its commitment to international law and regional solidarity. The EU, for its part, reiterated its support for Belize’s regional development and governance efforts.
The two sides also exchanged views on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) proceedings regarding Guatemala’s longstanding territorial, maritime, and insular claims over Belize. The EU expressed its continued support for confidence-building measures in the Adjacency Zone—a demilitarised buffer area monitored by the Organisation of American States.
The ICJ is expected to issue a ruling on the case within the next year, which could have far-reaching implications for regional stability. “We welcome the EU’s principled support for a peaceful and legal resolution,” Minister Fonseca said.
Much of the dialogue centred on evaluating progress under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) and exploring new programmes under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI). Current initiatives focus on green growth in Belize’s south and improving border management infrastructure.
The EU also highlighted regional programmes benefiting Belize under themes such as environment and climate change, trade, and governance. These efforts are part of the EU’s broader Global Gateway strategy, which aims to counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative by funding sustainable development worldwide.
In Belize’s case, Global Gateway projects will target digital transformation, energy transition, transport, health systems, and education. “We are committed to ensuring our investments in Belize deliver long-term, resilient growth,” Ambassador Askola said.
On the trade front, updates were given on the EU-CARIFORUM Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which has opened new markets for Caribbean exporters but has also faced criticism over implementation hurdles and asymmetries in market access. Both parties acknowledged the need to address challenges while maximising opportunities for Belizean businesses.
One of Belize’s priorities during the talks was its long-standing request to be added to the EU’s Schengen visa waiver list. While no formal commitments were made, EU officials noted the country’s progress on governance and border controls, hinting at possible movement in future negotiations.
Belize also briefed the EU on ongoing regional integration efforts within CARICOM and SICA, signalling its ambition to play a more assertive diplomatic role in Central America and the Caribbean.
Human rights, democratic governance, and institutional reform were also on the agenda, with both sides reaffirming their shared values and commitment to “transparent, accountable governance.”
The next milestone in EU-Belize relations will be the EU-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Summit, scheduled for November in Colombia. The summit is expected to focus on investment, climate change, and global security partnerships.
The outcome of that meeting—and the ICJ ruling on Guatemala’s claims—could further shape the trajectory of Belize’s international standing.
“The EU remains a trusted partner in our development journey,” Fonseca said. “Together, we are building a resilient, prosperous, and peaceful future.”
The message from this week’s dialogue is clear: in a world increasingly defined by fragmentation and crisis, small states like Belize are finding strength in multilateralism—and a reliable ally in Brussels.
