We conducted a tour across Uruguay´s departments with the aim of fostering cooperation, promoting equal opportunities, and addressing environmental issues. The Diplomatic Delegation has already visited Artigas, Cerro Largo, Colonia, Durazno, Paysandú, Río Negro, Rivera, Salto, Soriano, Tacuarembó, and Treinta y Tres. On this occasion, from April 3rd to 5th, we were in Rocha and Lavalleja.

The first stop was at the Rocha Municipality, where Governor Alejo Umpierrez welcomed the European Ambassadors. A meeting was held with directors from different sectors of the local government to discuss progress and future plans. As a gesture of friendship and environmental commitment between the European Union and the Department of Rocha, a Timbo tree was planted, as has been done in previous visits.

UE en Uruguay

UE en Uruguay

In the afternoon, the European Ambassadors held a discussion with representatives of the environmental NGO Ambá, who explained their work in the natural reserve in Rocha. Despite the bad weather preventing the planned visit to the reserve, the meeting was very productive. Later, they visited the Rocha Lagoon, where they exchanged ideas with representatives of the women's fishing cooperative, who set up a gastronomic tourism venture through a project financed by the European Union.

UE en Uruguay

To conclude the first day, the Diplomatic Delegation met with representatives of civil society from Rocha at the Las Eduardas hotel in La Paloma, in order to become acquainted with the social reality of the Department.

The second day of  'EU throughout Uruguay' tour began with a visit to the solid waste treatment plant in Rocha, financed by a joint project between the European Union and the Congress of Governors. Then, they visited the Monte de Ombúes overlooking the Castillos Lagoon. The third stop had undeniable historical value, especially for Spain and Portugal, as they visited Santa Teresa Park; first, the nursery attached to the Headquarters, to appreciate the care of the flora species carried out there, and then the Santa Teresa fortress.

UE en Uruguay

Closing the visit to the Department of Rocha, the European Ambassadors toured the Olivares de Rocha plant, one of the largest olive oil mills on the continent. There, they learned about the olive oil production process from master blender Víctor Rodríguez.

The third day of the tour began in the Department of Lavalleja with a visit to the Salus industrial plant and a tour of the Salus Park, which is of great importance for the conservation of fauna, native flora, and the purity of the water bottled by the company. The European Ambassadors continued their tour near Minas, where they visited the quarry and the Cementos Artigas plant. The department's Governor, Mario García, organized a lunch with businessmen and representatives of civil society, where they took the opportunity to exchange ideas with the leading figures of the Department. In the afternoon, the European Ambassadors and Governor Mario García held a press conference at  Lavalleja Intendancy for the local media. At the end of the conference, they planted a Timbó tree as a symbol of friendship between the European Union and Lavalleja´s Department, also for the care and native species preservation.

UE en Uruguay

To conclude the final day of the "EU throughout Uruguay" tour, the European Ambassadors visited Confitería Irisarri, a venture of a Spanish family currently managed by the fourth generation of the family in Uruguay.

UE en Uruguay

Thanks to all the people who received us with such kindness and worked to make this tour possible. Clicking on the word, video, you will find the summary of the experience with the 'EU in Uruguay' tour.