European official promotes EU partnership

Stéphane Séjourné, executive vice president of the European Commission, defended on Monday, October 19, at the New Caledonia Congress, a strategic partnership with the European Union regarding the nickel industry.

Focus on nickel industry collaboration

The proposed partnership aims to strengthen cooperation between New Caledonia and the EU in the nickel sector, which is vital for the production of batteries used in electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.

Opposition to the partnership

Independence supporters in New Caledonia, who seek greater autonomy or full independence from France, oppose the EU partnership. They view it as a move that could undermine their political goals and increase external influence in the region.

Boycott of the session

As a result of their opposition, independence supporters boycotted the session where Séjourné presented the partnership proposal, highlighting the deep divisions within New Caledonia’s political landscape.