Trinidad and Tobago removed from EU tax blacklist

The Council of the European Union updated its list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes, adding the Turks and Caicos Islands and Viet Nam, while removing Fiji, Samoa, and Trinidad and Tobago after they complied with international tax standards.

The EU’s list is part of efforts to promote global tax good governance, identifying jurisdictions that fail to meet agreed international standards or have not fulfilled commitments on tax transparency. Following today’s update, the list now includes ten jurisdictions: American Samoa, Anguilla, Guam, Palau, Panama, Russia, Turks and Caicos Islands, US Virgin Islands, Vanuatu, and Viet Nam.

The EU’s code of conduct group, composed of senior representatives from member states and the European Commission, monitors jurisdictions’ tax practices and works with them to resolve compliance issues, promoting fair tax competition both within the EU and globally.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar celebrated Trinidad and Tobago’s removal from the blacklist, calling it a “major step forward.” She noted that the previous administration had failed to secure compliance, and credited her government with legislative reforms, sustained international engagement, and strengthened institutions that restored the country’s credibility.

“Blacklisting constrained investment, limited opportunity, and weakened confidence in our financial system. In less than a year, we strengthened our laws, enhanced transparency, and put Trinidad and Tobago back on the right track,” Persad Bissessar said. She added that removal from the list signals to the world that Trinidad and Tobago has met its commitments and is “open for business, compliant, and ready for sustainable growth.”