Discriminatory Lists at the EU-Central America Forum 2026: Panama Demands Removal
During the inauguration of the EU-Central America Forum, Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha rejected Panama’s continued inclusion on tax lists and demanded fair treatment based on cooperation and the country’s commitment to global development.
Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha pictured above, stated this Thursday that Panama does not deserve to be on discriminatory lists, at the inauguration of the European Union-Central America Forum 2026. “Panama does not deserve to be on any discriminatory list, of any bloc, of any organization, of any country, on any list. The only list on which Panama deserves to be in the European Union is on the list of friends,” the foreign minister stated.
Defending Panama’s International Image
Furthermore, he thanked the European countries that have supported Panama’s aspirations to be removed from the discriminatory lists. He reiterated that the country seeks to eliminate these designations from the EU to improve its image and boost investment attraction. “Panama is not seeking concessions; Panama is offering solutions. And Panama, under the leadership of President José Raúl Mulino, will firmly and with dignity continue to defend its place in the world as an open, reliable country, deeply committed to this initiative and to global development. Because in a fragmented world, Panama will not divide. Panama and Central America will always be connected,” he emphasized.
Demand for Reciprocity from the European Union
Martínez-Acha pictured above, in addition to rejecting the classification, questioned the lack of reciprocity from the European bloc. “You have to do more for Panama because now Panama has a lot to do at a difficult time,” he warned. He added that “Panama has been responding for some time now, but we have been poorly compensated,” the minister stated. He emphasized that the country and the region are reliable allies, committed to transparent trade, international law, and values-based cooperation.
Investment and Strategic Projects in the Region
At the event, the EU reaffirmed its support of $1.2 billion through 2027 for infrastructure in Central America, focusing primarily on renewable energy. The EU-Central America Forum addressed key issues on Thursday such as railway infrastructure, sustainable logistics, green maritime corridors, sustainable mobility, clean transport, energy integration, connectivity and technological cooperation.
