EU Relations with Pitcairn Islands

Pitcairn is a British OCT located in the south of the Pacific Ocean. Its capital is Adamstown, but the general administration is managed by the Pitcairn Islands Office located in Auckland (New Zealand), 5,310 km away. Pitcairn has a population of 46 inhabitants (July 2005). Access to Pitcairn is very limited, as naval connections are increasingly intermittent while there is no airport.

Pitcairn's economy is essentially self-sufficient, through the exchange of fish, horticulture and handicrafts. Equally, the sales of fruits, honey, postal stamps, in addition to the registration of Internet Domains play an important role in Pitcairn's economy. (Eco)tourism in Pitcairn has economic potential however access to the territory would need to be improved. Imports come primarily from New Zealand. In the absence of formal taxes, each person between the age of 15-65 has to carry out public work. Unemployment does not exist in Pitcairn and the entire population is entitled to school education. Per capita GNP is not known.

Political background
The UK remains responsible for foreign affairs, defence and domestic security. The British High Commissioner to New Zealand serves as the Governor of Pitcairn and is assisted by the Pitcairn Islands Office in Auckland. The Pitcairn Islands Office is managed by a Commissioner appointed by the Governor. The Governor exercises legislative power, subject to the approval of the UK Foreign Secretary in certain fields. At island level, the Island Council – elected annually – manages the internal affairs under the presidency of the Island Mayor. A UK diplomat, the Governor's Representative, resides in Pitcairn and participates in Island Council meetings, but does not have the right to vote. The Governor is George Fergusson; the Commissioner managing Pitcairn Islands Office is Leslie Jaques; The Island Mayor is Jay Warren.

External and regional environment
Pitcairn being an OCT does not fully participate in the EPA and regional integration process. Pitcairn is however a member of the South Pacific Commission (SPC). Pitcairn has requested the help of French Polynesia in a project to create a regular shipping from the Gambier Islands (archipelago of Tuamotu-Gambier in French Polynesia) in order to make Pitcairn less isolated. The two OCTs and the Member States to which they are linked still discuss to build up this project.

Relations with the EU
The 9^th EDF allocation to Pitcairn amounts to € 2 M. Adding the transfers from previous EDFs, the indicative territorial allocation amounts to € 2.35 M. The total amount of € 2.35 M is granted to Pitcairn as sectoral budget support to infrastructure, and in particular harbour, air, road and communication infrastructure. No additional funds have been allocated to Pitcairn following the mid-term review.

The territorial allocation provided for Pitcairn under the 10^th EDF amounts de € 2.4 M.

Latest update: 18-03-2008
Responsible Desk Officers