French Guiana

French Guiana joined CARICOM as the eighth associate member on July 7, during the bloc’s 51st leaders’ summit in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, which took place from July 5 to 8. The territory had first applied in 2012, marking a 14-year effort.

France’s national geological survey, BRGM, partnered with Australian firm Fleet Space Technologies to map minerals under French Guiana using a system linking ground sensors to satellites and AI for 3D rock imaging. The initiative aims to identify valuable minerals in the region.

Brazil and France signed an agreement ending the visa requirement for Brazilians entering French Guiana, effective July 31, allowing stays of up to three months. Foreign ministers Mauro Vieira of Brazil and Jean-Noël Barrot of France finalized the deal on July 1.

A record Ariane 6 launch from French Guiana highlights Europe's spaceport progress, but local residents question how much economic benefit the boom generates for the region.

TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné stated the company will not drill new exploration wells off French Guiana. France's parliament is considering a bill to repeal a 2017 ban on oil exploration in French territories.

Spain's PLD Space is investing 35 million euros in a private launch pad at Kourou in French Guiana, marking the first private operator at that scale in Europe's spaceport. The investment is equivalent to approximately $41 million.

Emmanuel Macron faces mounting pressure to initiate formal discussions on reparatory justice for France's historical role in the slave trade and enslavement of African people. The French president will mark the 25th anniversary of France's 2001 law recognizing the slave trade and slavery as crimes against humanity, originally brought by Christiane Taubira.

Europe's Ariane 6 rocket is set to launch 32 Amazon internet satellites from French Guiana on February 12, 2026. The mission marks a significant step in deploying satellite-based internet infrastructure.