The president of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, ordered to maintain the veto on European companies in the country's public tenders, after the European Union (EU) decided to keep the Central American nation on its list of non-cooperating tax jurisdictions. "We maintain the restriction that no European company can bid on our projects from now on. I have requested this of the different entities," the head of state expressed through his account on X. Strategic projects at risk Panama is preparing the tender for key public infrastructure works, including: A freight and passenger train to the border with Costa Rica. New ports near the Panama Canal. An oil pipeline and other logistics initiatives. These projects, valued in the billions of dollars, had already aroused the interest of companies from Spain, France, and the Netherlands, now affected by the government's decision. The European Union's decision Although in 2025 the EU removed Panama from a list related to money laundering, the bloc resolved to keep the country on the list of non-cooperating tax jurisdictions, considering that deficiencies in tax exemptions and financial information exchange persist. Mulino indicated that the Government anticipated this outcome and is preparing for the review scheduled for October, while the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) expressed confidence that the progress made will allow for its future exclusion. You may be interested Mulino orders to exclude European companies from public tenders February 17, 2026 Queens and traditions lead the Gatuncillo Norte, Colón carnival party February 17, 2026 MiAmbiente attends more than 120 reports in protected areas February 16, 2026 Spiritual retreat in El Ciruelo de Pesé brings together 150 young people February 16, 2026 Nationals and foreigners enjoy the colorful carnival of Chicá February 16, 2026 International advances and defense of the country's image In the last year, Panama has managed to get out of: The European Parliament's money laundering list. Ecuador's tax haven list. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) list in 2023. The head of state has reiterated that Panama cooperates with international standards and rejected the 'stigmatization' of the country, ensuring that his administration will do what is necessary to clean up the country's financial image in Europe and the world. Billion-dollar investments in infrastructure Among the most ambitious projects is the Panama–David train, a route of approximately 400 kilometers with an estimated investment of over 4,000 million dollars, which already has a signed declaration of intent with France. Likewise, the construction of two new ports near the Panama Canal, with an approximate cost of 2,600 million dollars, will be tendered this year by the canal administration, despite the new diplomatic and commercial scenario with Europe.
