Event Summary
On 24 August 2025, the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian reported that the country is likely to be removed from the European Union’s tax blacklist (Annex I) by February 2026. The report cites recent legal reforms, including enhanced tax transparency measures, treaty ratifications, and a “largely compliant” rating from the OECD Global Forum on transparency and exchange of information for tax purposes. The Finance Minister emphasized that this progress will improve T&T’s international financial reputation and reduce barriers to trade and investment.
While the delisting is primarily framed as a financial and diplomatic milestone, it carries direct and indirect consequences for civil society. EU blacklisting has historically limited access to international funding and increased banking scrutiny on CSOs. Removal from the list could ease restrictions on foreign funding, encourage philanthropic investment, and reduce administrative burdens for NGOs. These changes may strengthen the financial sustainability and legitimacy of civil society, particularly those engaged in human rights, development, and climate action work.