Trinidad and Tobago has been removed from the European Union’s list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes following a decision by the Economic and Financial Affairs Council.

The update forms part of the European Union’s ongoing efforts to promote tax good governance globally by monitoring jurisdictions that fail to comply with international tax standards or do not meet reform commitments within agreed timeframes.

The Council also added the Turks and Caicos Islands and Vietnam to the list, while removing Fiji, Samoa and Trinidad and Tobago after determining they now comply with international standards.

Following the update, the EU blacklist now includes American Samoa, Anguilla, Guam, Palau, Panama, Russia, Turks and Caicos Islands, US Virgin Islands, Vanuatu and Viet Nam.

In a media release on February 18, the Ministry of Finance of Trinidad and Tobago described the removal as a major milestone achieved through years of engagement and cooperation with the European Union.

According to the Ministry, the decision reflects “several years of sustained commitment, constructive dialogue, and close cooperation” between local authorities and EU partners to align with internationally accepted tax governance standards.

EU Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago Cécile Tassin commended the country’s progress, stating, “The progress made by Trinidad and Tobago 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 welcomed the development, saying the Government celebrates the progress made in meeting global tax standards.

“This milestone reflects my Government’s sustained commitment to transparency, fairness and adherence to internationally accepted standards. This achievement underscores our dedication to implementing robust global tax standards and strengthens confidence in our economic and regulatory frameworks,” Tancoo said.

The Ministry noted that Trinidad and Tobago’s removal from the list followed major legislative and regulatory reforms. These included replacing the country’s former Free Trade Zone regime with a Special Economic Zone framework that meets international requirements.

Between 2024 and 2025, Trinidad and Tobago also strengthened tax transparency measures. In November 2024, the country signed the OECD Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters, aimed at improving cooperation between countries on tax administration.

Additionally, Trinidad and Tobago received a “largely compliant” rating from the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes regarding the exchange of tax information on request. 

By December 2025, the forum confirmed that local legislation met standards for the automatic exchange of financial account information.

Authorities also addressed recommendations under the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Inclusive Framework, including Country-by-Country reporting requirements designed to prevent profit shifting by multinational corporations.

The Ministry said the reforms marked the successful completion of a comprehensive agenda that ultimately led to the country’s removal from the EU tax list in February 2026. 

Officials added that the achievement reinforces Trinidad and Tobago’s reputation as a cooperative international financial partner and supports global efforts to reduce illicit financial flows and tax abuse.

The EU said the listing process remains dynamic, with jurisdictions continuously monitored and supported through engagement with the Code of Conduct Group on business taxation, which works with countries to improve compliance with tax governance standards.

The Ministry of Finance said Trinidad and Tobago looks forward to strengthening collaboration with European partners while continuing efforts to build a competitive and globally integrated economy.