The Ambassador of the European Union to the Pacific, Barbara Plinkert, has completed her first official visit to the Tonga since the country’s new government took office, reaffirming cooperation on sustainable development, governance and climate resilience.
During the visit, the Ambassador held high-level meetings with Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua and senior ministers, as well as a courtesy call on Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala.
Discussions centred on shared priorities including renewable energy, infrastructure, trade and inclusive economic growth, alongside Tonga’s potential accession to the interim Economic Partnership Agreement between the EU and Pacific states.
Speaking to local media, Ambassador Plinkert said the EU’s commitment to a “sustainable and resilient Pacific” reflects common values and long-standing ties, adding that cooperation with Tonga would continue to expand in the coming years.
The mission also highlighted climate and environmental programmes supported by European and international partners. At the Kiwa Initiative project in Tongatapu, community-based farming and biodiversity restoration efforts are helping strengthen resilience to climate change.
The Ambassador also visited the Tonga Meteorological Office to review activities under the EU-funded climate services programme implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, which supports early warning systems, drought preparedness and climate data access across key sectors.
The visit highlights deepening EU–Tonga relations at a time when Pacific nations face increasing climate and development challenges, with further cooperation expected in resilience, trade and sustainable growth.
