David Burt has travelled to Europe, where he will lead a government delegation focused on financial services and taxation.

According to a government statement, the Premier will hold a series of meetings with European Union officials in Brussels, Paris and London, including the new Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

His first stop will be in Brussels, where he will meet high-level European Union officials, including the Director-General of DG Fisma (the Directorate-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union), the new chair of the Code of Conduct Group for the EU Council, and representatives from EU member states such as Luxembourg and Ireland.

A spokeswoman said: “The purpose of these meetings will be to deepen connections with financial services and taxation stakeholders and to continue to highlight Bermuda’s position as a co-operative and transparent jurisdiction.

“While in Brussels, the Premier will also conduct several media interviews and host a reception at the Government of Bermuda’s Brussels Office to be attended by European Commission officials, members of the European Parliament and member state and private sector representatives.

“The Premier will then depart Brussels for Paris, where he will hold a high-level meeting at the OECD headquarters with new Secretary-General Mathias Cormann to discuss matters related to global minimum tax.

“Following Paris, Premier Burt will travel to London for further meetings and media engagements before returning to Bermuda.”

Mr Burt added: “It is vital that the Government of Bermuda continues to deepen connections with our European partners within the European Commission, Council, Parliament and member states.

“Decisions made within the European Union impact Bermuda’s financial services industry, including insurance and reinsurance, and we must continue to reiterate our message of co-operation and transparency.

"This trip is a chance to renew longstanding relationships, but also to meet with new persons in key positions due to recent changes of leadership in bodies that are vital for Bermuda’s economic interests.”

Mr Burt will be joined by Ken Joaquin, Registrar of Companies for the Ministry of Finance, and Aliyyah Ahad, the Government’s EU representative.

The Premier is due to return to the island on Saturday.