European Union Celebrates Europe Day 2026

The Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the Pacific, H.E. Ambassador Barbara Plinkert, hosted the annual Europe Day Reception on 7 May 2026 at the Novotel in Lami, celebrating the 76th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundation for European unity. The event brought together Prime Minister, the Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, the Honourable Viliame Gavoka, senior ministers, and members of the diplomatic corps.

Ambassador Plinkert reflected on the enduring relevance of Europe’s founding values in today’s turbulent world. She highlighted that, in the face of rising geopolitical tensions, hybrid threats, and economic coercion, the commitment to peace, stability, and the rules-based international order has never been more critical. She expressed sincere appreciation for the Pacific’s principled and consistent support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in multilateral fora, underscoring that shared values are the bedrock of the EU–Pacific partnership.

In response, the Chief of Protocol, Ms. Kiti Temo, conveyed the Government of Fiji’s deep appreciation for the European Union’s sustained commitment to the region. She affirmed Fiji’s alignment with the principles of multilateralism and international law and reaffirmed the country’s pride in standing as a trusted partner of the European Union, committed to deepening cooperation for the benefit of both regions.

The reception also celebrated significant milestones in EU–Pacific cooperation, including the entry into force of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) High Seas Treaty, co-championed by Pacific Island countries and EU Member States. Other achievements highlighted included the landmark inaugural EU–Pacific Business Forum held in Fiji in September 2025, continued Global Gateway investments in renewable energy, digital connectivity, and resilient infrastructure, the expansion of the Pacific–EU Marine Partnership, and growing participation in the interim Economic Partnership Agreement (iEPA).

The evening reflected the EU’s enduring commitment to the Pacific, choosing cooperation over division, partnership over isolation, and multilateralism over unilateralism.