Bermuda is what is known as an associated country, which means that it is one of a number of countries having a special relationship with the EU – Greenland is also an associated country. Bermuda is one of those countries which are also referred to as Overseas Countries and Territories (abbreviated to OCT). The Overseas Countries and Territories have had a special relationship with the EU since the establishment of the EC, and their special status is enshrined in the EC Treaty.

The Overseas Countries and Territories do not form part of the EU, yet they are constitutionally bound to four of the EU’s Member States: Denmark, France, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands .

The purpose of the association is to promote economic and social development in these countries and territories and to establish close economic relations between the OCTs and the EU countries. 

The Overseas Countries and Territories must not be confused with what are referred to as the ACP countries.

OVERSEAS COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES

— Greenland — New Caledonia and Dependencies — French Polynesia — French Southern and Antarctic Territories — Wallis and Futuna Islands — Mayotte — Saint Pierre and Miquelon — Aruba — Netherlands Antilles: Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten — Anguilla — Cayman Islands — Falkland Islands — South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands — Montserrat — Pitcairn — Saint Helena and Dependencies — British Antarctic Territory — British Indian Ocean Territory — Turks and Caicos Islands — British Virgin Islands — Bermuda