WILLEMSTAD — Curaçao is to make a choice regarding the status of the island within the European Union (EU). Either Curaçao chooses for their current status as one of the Overseas Countries and Territories (LGO or OCT), or the island tightens the bonds by choosing the status of Ultra Peripheral Territory (UPG). This choice is on the agenda this year, Minister-President Gerrit Schotte said yesterday during the weekly meeting of the Council of Ministers.Schotte inclines towards keeping the current status. “UPG-countries are to surrender some of their autonomy for more financial support from the EU. I’d rather prefer a strengthening of the current LGO-status where there will be a question of equality between the European countries and the former colonies”, said Schotte. “The advantages of a LOG-status seem to exceed those of an UPG-status.”

Premier Schotte was recently in Brussels where he attended the tenth OCT-EU Forum – a conference between the overseas countries and territories, the member countries of the UE and the European Committee. The current Overseas Association Decision (OAD), which determines the relations between the former colonies and Europe, expires in 2013. During the conference, the overseas countries emphasized they too should be involved with the reformulation of the OAD. Besides determining the relation between the overseas territories and the EU, the OAD also determines the funds for the former colonies. LGO-countries, such as Curaçao, could for example apply for European subsidies. There is also market access for goods produced in the LGO-countries. A group of officials will soon follow training in Brussels on the EU-procedures. With this, Curaçao can make better use of the possibilities offered by the EU.

The next OCT-EU Forum will be organized in September when Greenland will be the host country. The theme of this year is ‘Green Growth’. The OCT-alliance was founded in 2002 to gear the visions of the overseas territories for one another. The Premier recently announced that the Caribbean overseas territories will form a bloc. In all probability, these countries will assemble in April. It’s possible that the conference will be held on Curaçao.