In examining the relationship of the European Union (EU) with the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) the focus in the first instance naturally comes to rest on the application of the internal market acquis and – in more recent times – the impact of the concept of EU citizenship on the position of those residing in OCTs. Yet, from the point of view of the development of OCTs the effect of EU economic and monetary policy on these countries and territories may be of at least equally importance. This paper will highlight how being formally situated outside the scope of the legal framework of EU Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) should not be mistaken as a sign that EU actions in these policy fields have no consequence for OCTs. As past experience suggest that European and national policy makers hardly pay sufficient attention to this link between EU policies and OCTs, arguably enhanced efforts to promote the economic and social development of the countries and territories and to establish close economic relations between them and the Union as a whole (Article 198 TFEU) are called for. The contribution will also explore in what ways the post-Lisbon Treaties framework and in particular the so-called ''missionary principle'' may require that more attention is being paid to the special situation of OCTs in EMU-related matters.
