France is becoming involved in Caribbean organisations
France is strengthening the integration of its overseas territories into their regional environment. In 2025, Saint Martin joined the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). In April 2026, Saint Barthélemy assumed the presidency of the Organisation of Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTA). A few days later, Martinique joined the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
On 16 April 2026, the National Assembly gave the green light to an agreement allowing Martinique to join the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) as an associate member. This decision, which had already been approved by the Senate in January, marks a new stage in the rapprochement between France’s overseas territories and their Caribbean neighbours. The agreement also paves the way for other local authorities in the Antilles-Guyana region, such as Saint Martin, to join as associate members. This development is part of a broader French strategy aimed at better integrating its overseas territories into their geographical environment.
A regional response to shared challenges
The Caribbean is a region characterised by linguistic and political diversity, yet united by a shared history and geography. In this context, regional cooperation emerges as a response to the challenges of globalisation. Indeed, it enables borders to be transcended and resources to be pooled across a variety of fields. Within the region, several organisations facilitate this cooperation. Among these is the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), an economic and financial bloc that promotes a shared vision of trade, health, education and environmental conservation. Martinique joined in 2015, followed by Guadeloupe in 2019 and Saint Martin in 2025. An agreement welcomed by the President of the Territorial Council, Louis Mussington: “We have a role to play; we must be more integrated and participate collectively in the development of this Caribbean region.”
Another key player is the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), an international organisation that brings together island and mainland territories within a forum for political dialogue. The ACS has a Council of Ministers where members formulate public policies and determine the organisation’s direction. The organisation’s activities aim to foster collective reflection on regional issues and the implementation of joint solutions across five themes: the preservation and protection of the Caribbean Sea, sustainable tourism, trade and external economic relations, natural disasters, and transport.
Tools to strengthen regional integration
At the same time, regional cooperation draws on European and international mechanisms. The Interreg programme funds cross-border projects, whilst the Association of Overseas Countries and Territories, currently chaired by Saint Barthélemy, enhances the international visibility of the overseas territories. Since 2012, the institutional integration of the French territories in the Americas has become significantly more established. In the Caribbean, these territories face common challenges. Regional integration therefore represents an opportunity and enables these territories, however small, to establish themselves as fully-fledged players in their region.
