On September 24, 2026, the Prime Ministers of Saint Lucia and Antigua & Barbuda met with European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner in New York to discuss the future of Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes in the Eastern Caribbean. The meeting focused on the programmes’ role in regional development, EU security concerns and the possibility of establishing a transition path forward.

CBI Programmes as Development Financing

The two Caribbean leaders emphasised that CBI programmes remain an important source of development financing for the OECS countries operating them. They also highlighted the need for continued dialogue with the European Union to balance regional economic needs with EU security concerns.

EU Phase-Out Request Remains Unchanged

The European Commission has requested that the Eastern Caribbean countries operating CBI programmes phase them out by June 2028. The September 24 meeting did not result in any announced agreement or change to this deadline.

The five affected programmes are those of Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis and Saint Lucia.

Proposed Transition Measures

The European Commission’s June 2026 request included a 24-month transition period and proposed interim measures, including the exclusion of individuals subject to EU restrictive measures and strengthened vetting procedures across all nationalities.

These measures are part of the EU’s broader concerns regarding security, due diligence and visa-free access.

Ongoing Regional Engagement

Eastern Caribbean governments continue to engage with EU institutions regarding the future of their CBI programmes. In July 2026, the five CBI countries agreed to pursue a high-level mission to Brussels, while regional officials have continued discussions on the treatment of CBI and financial services programmes.

Looking Ahead

Antigua & Barbuda expects the European Union to consider its response in the visa suspension mechanism report scheduled for December 2026. Until further decisions are announced, the June 2028 phase-out request remains the current position communicated by the European Commission.

Summary

The latest discussions between Eastern Caribbean leaders and the EU indicate that dialogue over the future of CBI programmes is continuing, but no agreement has yet changed the European Commission’s June 2028 phase-out request. The countries continue to emphasise the economic importance of CBI, while engaging with the EU on security, due diligence and potential transition arrangements.