Martinique first applied to the OECS in 1999, at a time when the French Authorities were not ready to recognize the added value of direct representation of the overseas territories in their immediate environment and to their neighbouring countries. After years of evolution of the regulatory framework for the governance of the French Overseas Territories, the application could be renewed with the express agreement of the French Republic in 2012.
From then, two years of studies, negotiations and preparatory work were necessary before the actual signing of the accession agreement of Martinique as an Associate Member of the OECS on 4th February 2015. Another year was then needed before the signed legal agreement could fully enter into force. The accession instrument was formally submitted by the French Authorities to the OECS Commission on 7th April 2016.
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