EU–OECS Diplomacy: EU Ambassador Fiona Ramsey presented her credentials to OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules, reaffirming long-term EU support for regional integration, sustainable development, democracy, and multilateral cooperation—while stressing shared maritime and practical challenges across the Caribbean, including French territories like Martinique and Guadeloupe. Local Governance & Public Finance (France): A French study says most councils kept taxe foncière rates flat in 2026, but a small set of towns—among them Bastia and Ajaccio—approved sizable increases, a reminder that local decisions can still push homeowner bills up. Regional Sports Spotlight: The CARICOM 10K Run crowned Jamaica’s Garfield Gordon and Barbados’ Carlie Robinson in the elite invitational races, with fast times and a strong field. Football Leadership Change: Saint Lucia’s Stern John stepped down as men’s national coach after mixed results since 2022, including defeats against teams such as Haiti and Guadeloupe. Justice & Gender-Based Violence: A reparatory justice push tied to CARICOM’s updated 10-point plan puts compensation for gender-based violence at the center, following a UN-backed shift treating the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity. EU Overseas Biodiversity Funding: European Parliament discussions urged that future EU financing frameworks include long-term support for biodiversity action in overseas regions, highlighting programs like BESTLIFE2030.