The 13 overseas countries and territories (OCTs) of the European Union (EU) are islands associated with the EU and constitutionally linked to Denmark (Greenland), France (6 OCTs), and the Netherlands (6 OCTs), on which they depend to varying degrees as non-sovereign countries or territories. OCTs have been associated with the EU since the entry into force in 1958 of the Treaty of Rome. This association is enshrined in Articles 198 to 204 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the EU (TFEU). Its key aim is to promote the economic and social development of the OCTs and to establish close economic relations between them and the EU. According to the TFEU, this association serves primarily to further the interests and prosperity of the inhabitants of OCTs to lead them to the economic, social, and cultural development to which they aspire. On 3 September 2025, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a Council decision on the association of the OCTs with the EU, including relations between the EU and Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark. This proposal to amend the current Council Decision (EU) 2021/1764 is made in the context of the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework (MFF). It introduces several amendments and ensures the continuation of EU funding for the OCTs. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP Read more