Tag:
European Union
Government
Belize continues to seek a Schengen Visa waiver
The Government of Belize has been advocating for Belizeans to be able to travel to the European Union (EU) without the need to apply for a Schengen Visa. The discussions continue as the matter has become a priority for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. Belizeans needing to travel to the EU are required to conduct their visa process in Mexico City, Mexico, as there are no European embassies in Belize.
Government
Belize removed from EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes
The European Union (EU) has removed Belize from the list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes, providing relief to the country’s financial services. This decision was made on Tuesday, February 20th, after the Belizean government made significant efforts towards compliance with the EU. The announcement also brought good news for other countries such as The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, and the Seychelles, which were also removed from the blacklist.
Government
The first electric bus arrives at the Belize Western Border
Through the Electric Mobility Pilot Project, the first electric bus arrived at the Belize Western Border. Funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Belize City Council (BCC), the Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics, and E-Governance (MPUELE) and the Department of Transport (DoT), this is the first of five buses, with the second bus arriving later this week, that will be the foundation to support e-mobility expansion in the country.
Government
Belize to clear backlog of criminal cases through PACE Justice Program
The Government of Belize has become part of a regional program known as the Partnership of the Caribbean and European Union on Justice (PACE Justice) to eliminate its backlogs of criminal cases. The new system will use software and awareness interventions to address the causes of the backlog. The other countries participating include Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Guyana, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Business & Economy
Belize back on the EU tax haven blacklist
On Tuesday, October 17th, the European Union (EU) added the Seychelles, Antigua, Barbuda, and Belize to its tax haven blacklist. It removed the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, and the Marshall Islands. The Government of Belize (GOB) rejected this decision by the EU, referring to it as false and unfair in designating the Jewel as a ‘non-cooperative jurisdiction for tax purposes.’
Government
GOB Secures Funds for the Management of the MTDS
The Government of Belize has received €400,000 (BZ$855,000) in grant funds from the European Union (EU) through its Technical Cooperation Facility. These funds will be used to support the Ministry of Economic Development (MED) in effectively managing the National Development Strategy ─ Plan Belize Medium-Term Development Strategy (MTDS) ─ and for Development Partnership Coordination.
Health
Belize strengthens its health system through PAHO’s Essential Public Health Functions
Through the European Union-funded Health Sector Support Programme (EU-HSSP) Belize, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) facilitated a two-day stakeholder consultation workshop on Belize’s Essential Public Health Functions (EPHFs). Almost 60 stakeholders from various Government ministries and departments analyzed each of the 11 renewed EPHFs to identify gaps and eventually develop an action plan to address priority gaps.
Government
MOHW Launches the National Nutrition Policy
In an era marked by increasing rates of chronic diseases and nutritional imbalances, the Ministry of Health & Wellness recognizes the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to nutrition. As a result, the MOHW launched the National Nutrition Policy 2022-2023 in Belize City on June 8, 2023.