EU Removes T&T From Blacklist

• Trinidad and Tobago has been officially removed from the European Union’s list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes, following a decision by the EU’s Economic and Financial Affairs Council on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
• Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar welcomed the development on February 18, 2026, declaring that the country is no longer blacklisted. “Our country has officially been removed from the European Union’s list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes – a designation applied to countries that fail to meet international standards for tax transparency. This is a major step forward,” she said. Blacklisting constrained investment, limited opportunity, and weakened confidence in the country’s financial system.
• The removal from the list signals clearly to the world that Trinidad and Tobago has met its commitments and reclaimed its standing on the global stage. “Investor interest is rising. Confidence is returning. Momentum is building. T&T is open for business, compliant, and ready for sustainable growth.” The EU tax listing process forms part of global efforts to combat tax evasion and avoidance risks, strengthen transparency, and promote fair taxation.
• EU Ambassador Cécile Tassin also welcomed the development, stating: “The progress made by T&T on the path towards meeting the internationally agreed standards on tax good governance is impressive. These efforts should be commended. They are a positive sign for the continued strengthening of our partnership.” Minister of Finance Davendranath Tancoo also addressed the decision yesterday, describing it as the result of sustained engagement with European authorities.
• A key element of the reform programme was the replacement of the former Free Trade Zone regime, which had been deemed harmful, with a Special Economic Zone framework aligned with international standards.

(Source: Trinidad and Tobago Guardian)