The two entities present on the island of Saint-Martin work together for a common future.
One island, two nations
Saint-Martin is unique: it is the smallest landmass in the world shared by two independent states, France and the Netherlands.
The northern, French part is governed between the prefecture (representing the State) and the Overseas Collectivité (COM) of Saint-Martin which, since 2007, has been governed under article 74 of the Constitution, granting it greater autonomy than a local collectivité .
The southern part, under the crown of the Netherlands, has had its own government since November 10, 2010.
This binational coexistence has shaped a common culture and heritage, while perpetuating singularities on each side.
In which areas do Saint-Martin and Sint Marteen collaborate today?
Saint Martin and Saint Maarten have recently established collaboration in several areas:
- maritime cooperation: a letter of intent was signed to strengthen the fight against drug trafficking and facilitate the exchange of information between Saint Martin and Sint Maarten
- police cooperation: this involves strengthening cooperation between security forces and establishing an information exchange and liaison office in Cole Bay to facilitate interventions
- tax cooperation: we must continue to fight hand in hand against tax evasion and share information, including the island of Saint-Martin in the bilateral tax agreement between France and the Netherlands
- education: a letter of intent was signed to improve exchanges between the two academic institutions and thus promote training in schools
- access to European Union funds: the two countries work closely together to improve cross-border cooperation projects and explore the possibilities of accessing European funding adapted to specific relations with the EU.
Online resource
The joint declaration issued at the end of the 5th quadripartite meeting (June 15, 2023)
