Fiji is an island state in the South Pacific. It consists of 322 islands (106 inhabited) and 522 islets. Around 87% of the population of 854,000 live on the two main islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu which account for around 87% of the total land mass (the total is 18,274 km²). The capital is Suva on the main island of Viti Levu.

The country has faced some political difficulties in recent decades, including several military coups sparked partly by uneasy relations between indigenous Fijians and descendants from Indian labourers brought to the islands in the 19^th century. Even with political problems, Fiji is one of the most developed nations in the Pacific. It has important natural resources. Its sugar and textile sectors are facing problems. Tourism is an important economic sector and has been growing steadily, but has come under pressure following the military take-over in December 2006.

Fiji faces some major development challenges. Emigration has caused a skills drain and investment has declined, while expiring land leases continues to be a major issue. The country is also exposed to occasional natural disasters, including cyclones.

Key issues in EU-Fiji relations

The EU is a long-time partner of Fiji and has in the past focused on rural aid and improving education. Fiji benefits from market access to the EU for its sugar. It is also eligible for substantial support in the form of so-called sugar reform accompanying measures.

Following the military coup in December 2006 consultations with Fiji were held under Article 96 of the revised ACP–EC Partnership Agreement. Fiji gave the EU commitments concerning the so-called essential elements of the revised ACP-EC Partnership Agreement: human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law following which the Council decided on 1 October 2007 on the appropriate measures for Fiji. In this context the Council decided on an enhanced political dialogue with Fiji and established the framework for future development cooperation in the light of the commitments given by Fiji.