European Parliament
Maria do Céu Patrão Neves  (PPE ),
in writing.
(PT)
The French Republic has requested that the Council adopt a decision with regard to the island of Saint-Barthélemy, changing its status from that of an outermost region to that of a country and territory associated with the European Union. This status satisfies the needs and special characteristics of the territory of Saint-Barthélemy without prejudicing the interests of the European Union. By adopting the status of overseas country and territory, Saint-Barthélemy is entering into a new reciprocal and lasting partnership with the European Union that suits its specific characteristics without prejudicing its membership of the European family. I therefore voted in favour.

