Premier Marks Bermuda Brussels Office’s 5th Year
“As part of the Government of Bermuda delegation’s continued engagement in Europe, last evening the Premier and Minister of Finance, the Hon. David Burt jointly hosted ABIR’s 17th International Insurance Regulatory Dialogue opening reception,” the government said.
A Government spokesperson said, “The Bermuda themed event also formally celebrated the Bermuda Brussels Office’s 5 Year Anniversary. The Brussels Office opened in 2019 to strengthen ties between the island and the European Union. The Office is currently under the oversight of Aliyyah Ahad, Head of European Affairs and Policy. The Office provides vital monitoring of EU policy developments with implications for Bermuda, such as those related to financial services, taxation, and digital assets. It also builds and maintains relationships with key stakeholders within the European institutions and the 27 EU member states.”
Premier Burt with Director General Tax Gerrassimos Thomas.
Premier Burt said during last evening’s occasion, “Over the past five years the Brussels Office has played a crucial role in expanding Bermuda’s outreach to new stakeholders, its efforts in areas such as ocean governance, renewable energy, and climate change have opened new avenues for collaboration and have strengthened Bermuda’s international presence.
“The Government has also expanded the Brussels office team to support young Bermudian students enabling them to join as interns and gain valuable experience in international affairs. Over the next five years and beyond, the Government of Bermuda remains committed continuing to invest in the Brussels office and will continue nurturing our relationship with the European Union and its Member States. Whether addressing climate change, cyber risks, or financial services regulation, Bermuda and the EU share common challenges and goals.”
Of the five-year milestone, Ms. Ahad said, “It has been an absolute honour and privilege to represent the Government of Bermuda in Brussels. Since it opened in 2019, the Office has welcomed seven ministerial delegations, including this week’s visit. We have also arranged prominent meetings with the OECD Secretary General, EU Commissioners, EU member states’ ambassadors, and executive level officials within the European Commission and European Council. As the EU becomes more and more active in the policy areas that impact Bermuda, it is crucial to maintain consistent engagement and continue sharing the Bermuda story.”
Premier Burt at the Brussels Bermuda reception.
The Government spokesperson said, “Also, last evening, the Premier participated in a Sea-Side Chat with Stephen Catlin, Executive Chairman of Convex.
“Earlier on Thursday, the Premier conducted high-level meetings with top officials in the European Commission’s Directorate General for financial services [DG FISMA] and with the European Council’s Code of Conduct Group, which is responsible for the bi-annual listing of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes.
“The Premier’s meetings in Brussels continue today. Following Belgium, the Premier will travel to Paris for meetings with OECD officials and then to Ireland, where he will hold meetings with the Irish Minister of Finance and the Lord Mayor of Dublin.
Premier Burt, Financial Secretary and Aliyyah Ahad.
“The Premier, who returns to Bermuda on September 11, is supported on this visit by the Financial Secretary, Chidozie Ofoego; Kenneth Joaquin, Registrar of Companies; Kimberley Durrant, Director Bermuda Government’s London Office and Aliyyah Ahad, Head of European Affairs & Policy, Brussels Office.”
