EU Relations with Wallis and Futuna

Wallis et Futuna is one of three French overseas territories in the Pacific. The two largest islands have a joint population of 14,944 (2003) and are 240 km apart. GDP per capita is estimated at € 2,800. More Wallis and Futuna inhabitants have emigrated to New Caledonia than remain on their home islands.

• Three main islands: Wallis, Futuna and Alofi. Capital: Mata-Utu (on Wallis)
• Agriculture: subsistence farming, fruit cultivation, copra oil, pig rearing and (increasingly) rearing laying hens.
• Fishing: supported by the public authorities but insufficient to meet local demand.
• Forests: reforestation programmes are underway in previously over-exploited areas.
• Traditional crafts: an important source of income but air freight costs and competition from neighbouring countries hinder development in this sector.
• Tourism: still undeveloped.

Political situation
Power and influence is shared between:

• the "Chefferie" (three traditional chiefdoms)
• political institutions (an elected Assembly, a deputy and a senator)
• the Catholic Church
• the “prefect” – senior administrator representing the French state.

External and regional relations

• Wallis and Fortuna is a member of the Pacific Community, the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme and the Pacific Islands Development Programme, through which it benefits from technical assistance from regional experts.
• Involved in regional projects such as TEP VERTES (renewable energy) with New Caledonia and French Polynesia.
• Interested in the possible impact of the (EU/Pacific Islands Forum) economic partnership agreement on the economic situation and position in the region, although there are legal obstacles to it taking part in negotiations.

Relations with the EU

• Received €16.8 M under the 2000-07 round of funding (including unspent sums from previous rounds). Cooperation and results unsatisfactory, mainly due to inadequate administrative capacity. No increase in initial allocation after the mid-term review.
• The 2000-07 funding round financed a fishing port, a commercial port and a primary school. A fourth project involves a technical management unit. Wallis and Fortuna will receive just under €16.5 M under the 2008-13 round of funding.

Latest update: 27-06-2008
Responsible Desk Officers