The European Union and the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a privileged partner for the European Union, due to shared values, for being the largest economy in the Caribbean and the second most populous country after Cuba, for its dual identity as a Latin American and Caribbean country, for its dynamism and its active participation in various forums dedicated to regional integration, but also for the historical, cultural and familial ties that bind us. The European Union’s action in the international sphere is based on the principles that inspired its creation, the very ones it intends to promote in the rest of the world democracy, the rule of law, human rights, equality, solidarity and respect to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law. It is within this global framework of fundamental principles and shared values that the relationship between the European Union and the Dominican Republic is built on.

The European Union and the Dominican Republic have maintained excellent relations since 1989, when the Dominican Republic joined the Association Agreement between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states. The Cotonou Agreement, renewed in 2021 takes its name from the African city where it was signed, it seeks to promote democracy, respect for human rights, the eradication of poverty and the advantageous insertion of the countries of Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific in the international economy. The main instruments for the fulfillment of these goals are political dialogue, privileged economic relations and a supportive cooperation relationship to contribute to sustainable development at the economic, social and environmental levels.

Within this context, the European Union and the Dominican Republic celebrated 30 years of relations in 2019. During that anniversary year, both partners emphasized their good relations in various events. For example, a joint postage stamp was issued commemorating 30 years of relations. Currently, we continue working to maintain and deepen this privileged relationship in all fields.

As such, visits at all levels are frequent, such as Federica Mogherini’s, High Representative and Vice President of the European Union, to President Danilo Medina in October 2016, or the one that Josep Borrell, her successor, will carry out in March 2023 on the occasion of the Ibero-American Summit. The Director of the European Union for International Cooperation for Latin America and the Caribbean visited the Dominican Republic in January 2023. Similarly, the current Director for the Americas of the European External Action Service, Javier Niño visited the Dominican Republic in 2021, and will return in March 2023, where he will accompany the current High Representative and Vice President of the European Union, Josep Borrell.

An extensive Political Dialogue between the Dominican Republic and the European Union takes place annually, serving to strengthen cooperation between our peoples. This dialogue covers all topics of common interest: from international and internal political issues, human rights, major global challenges, to commercial or economic issues such as the implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement or the security of investments.

 

Regional Relations

Due to our history and experience, as Europeans we firmly believe in the benefits of regional integration and cooperation, as was shown in October 2018. Brussels hosted the foreign ministers of more than 60 countries of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the European Union. The second EU/CELAC Ministerial Meeting served to confirm the European Union's commitment to Latin America and the Caribbean, in addition to the desire to continue being the main partner in the region and to strengthen bi-regional ties based on mutual understanding, respect and solidarity. The next Summit of EU/CELAC Heads of State will take place on July 17 and 18, 2023 with the aim of continuing to strengthen the bi-regional relationship.

In April 2019, the EU-LAC Communication was published, confirming the commitment of both regions and outlining the future of these relations, based on four pillars: prosperity, resilience, democracy and governance.

Similarly, European Union’s relations with Caribbean countries are articulated around CARIFORUM, which summons the Dominican Republic and the 15 countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). In addition to the EU-CARIFORUM Economic Partnership Agreement, EPA, the Joint Caribbean EU Partnership Strategy regulates bi-regional relations by providing a structured framework for increasingly intensive dialogue and cooperation.

The European Union (EU) has a longstanding history of collaborative efforts across various sectors, among which the following stand out:

1. Comprehensive Programme for the Tourism and Urban Development of Santo Domingo's Colonial City

The EU, in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), supports to rehabilitate Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The objective is to revitalize its urban, economic, and cultural tourism dimensions. The project focuses on: (i) restoring public spaces and historical landmarks, and (ii) improving living conditions for residents. 

Within this framework, the EU has allocated a grant of €3.2 million aimed at: (i) supporting the most vulnerable families, benefiting 140 households through property title facilitation, roof repairs, improvements in electrical systems, and other urgent interventions, and (ii) enhancing access to the area.

2. Combatting Drugs and Organized Crime

The European Union and the Dominican Republic are strengthening their partnership to tackle drug trafficking and organized crime through strategic programs:

• EL PAcCTO 2.0 Programme: This initiative focuses on fighting transnational organized crime, reinforcing the rule of law and citizen security through a comprehensive approach to the entire criminal chain. Key components include:

  • High-level strategic dialogues, both regional and bi-regional. 

  • Capacity-building and institutional specialization.

  • Operational cooperation against structured criminal organizations.

• COPOLAD III Program: Aims to reinforce national drug policies through bi-regional dialogue platforms and technical assistance. In the Dominican Republic, this program has been instrumental in designing a national restorative juvenile justice strategy.

• GLACY-e Project: Concentrates on the realm of cybercrime, strengthening the skills of judges and prosecutors in handling electronic evidence.

3. Green and Inclusive Economy

Through the “Transition Programme to a Greener and More Inclusive Economy” (PROTEVI from its Spanish name “Programa de Transición hacia una Economía más Verde e Inclusiva”), the EU supports capacity development and training of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), a primary employment sector in the Dominican Republic. It promotes the adoption of modern production practices incorporating digital and ecological advancements, like circular business models for reuse and recycling.

The program enhances public policy implementation, focusing on: (i) Green public procurement policy with monitoring tools and training for MSME state suppliers; (ii) National registry of cleaner and sustainable production initiatives; (iii) Support mechanisms for SME internationalization, including business consultancy, technical assistance, and market promotions (focusing on women exporters and new markets like the EU, with PRODOMINICANA); and (iv) Advancement of green financing and support for MSMEs via PROMIPYME, expanding credit access. Through this program large scale training in entrepreneurial culture and sustainable business management is facilitated, impacting tens of thousands of individuals.

With the Cacaotrace Project, the EU assists cocoa producers in meeting European quality standards under a sustainable and deforestation-free model. The impact includes direct support to over 700 cocoa producers in Monte Plata, with more than 500 already trained in sustainable agricultural practices and adaptation to international regulations. Using blockchain technology, traceability, and strategic alliances, these 700 producers will be connected to national and European markets.

4. Environment

The regional Euroclima+ Program fosters dialogue and cooperation between the European Union, Latin America, and the Caribbean on climate change and biodiversity loss.

The Euroclima Action Plan for the Dominican Republic, developed through a national dialogue process, prioritizes: sargassum, sustainable mobility, water resource management, and sustainable finance. Actions include: (i) promoting non-motorized mobility as an alternative transport option; (ii) transitioning the public vehicle fleet to electric/hybrid units; (iii) improving water recharge in the Grande del Medio sub-basin.

5. Democracy and Human Rights

The Dominican Republic and the European Union collaborate to strengthen democracy and promote human rights, fundamental values underpinning their cooperation. The EU supports public initiatives and civil society.

The EU partners with the Ministry of Women to bolster public policies on violence prevention and develop care protocols for victims. Contributions include: extending the use of the emergency number *212, compiling relevant statistics on violence against women, supporting the Ministry of Women's annual campaign "Living Without Violence is Possible", and establishing the Magaly Pineda Equality School linked to the Ministry of Women. The program also supports civil society in a prevention campaign ("That's Violence"), in collaboration with an NGO consortium led by MUDE (Women for Dominican Development).

Another focus is creating economic opportunities for women and youth in rural areas. The Tejiendo Redes initiative, led by CONAMUCA, ASAD, and CIPAF, promotes economic opportunities for women in rural regions. In 2024, CONAMUCA received the European Human Rights Award.

In 2024, the EU supported the national monitoring of general elections and the political participation of women and youth. The EU backed national electoral observation during presidential, congressional, and municipal elections through the Participación Ciudadana NGO. This work included a series of recommendations aimed at consolidating the electoral legislative framework.

Quality journalism is a cornerstone of democracy. The EU provides training for journalists on using artificial intelligence and promotes best practices against disinformation.

6. Scholarships and University Cooperation

Through the Erasmus+ Programme, the European Union fosters university cooperation and mobility for students and academics. Erasmus+ offers opportunities for students, educational staff, and organizations to engage in cultural and academic exchanges, broadening horizons and encouraging international cooperation. Through Erasmus+ the EU supports the development of essential skills and experiences to address today's global challenges.

The EU’s commitment to civil society organizations in the Dominican Republic is guided by the Roadmap, an instrument that ensures structured dialogue and common strategic cooperation in order to strengthen the contribution of local civil society to governance and country development, as well as to improve the impact, forecasting and visibility of EU actions.

The working priorities of this important relationship stem from suggestions received by several organizations within the context of the EU Communication "The Roots of Democracy and Sustainable Development: Europe's commitment to civil society in external relations," these are the following:

• Promote the effective application of the existing regulatory and institutional framework to ensure a favourable environment for the work of civil society organizations in the Dominican Republic.
• Encourage meaningful and structured participation in national policies, EU cooperation programming, and international processes.
• Strengthen the capacities of local organizations to execute their role as independent actors more effectively.