The European Commission’s recent blacklisting of Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, and the Seychelles as non-cooperative tax jurisdictions has sparked concern in Antigua and Barbuda. Information Minister Melford Nicholas criticized perceived bullying by international bodies, particularly the EU.
The EU Council cited a lack of constructive dialogue on tax governance and failure to implement needed reforms, specifically regarding the exchange of tax information on request (criterion 1.2).
The government of Antigua and Barbuda is committed to international compliance but frustrated by ongoing pressure to amend legislation and protocols to meet international requirements, like those from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).Despite the challenges, the government is confident that the issues leading to the blacklist will be resolved soon.
Antigua and Barbuda, like other small developing states, faces international pressure on its offshore financial sector.
Nevertheless, the government remains committed to multilateral cooperation and constructive dialogue with entities such as the European Council.
