RELATIONS WITH THE EU
The European Union and Costa Rica
The Delegation, in cooperation with the Embassies of the EU Member States, works to strengthen relations with Costa Rica in various areas: political, trade and cooperation.
The Delegation
Within its functions, in Costa Rica, the Delegation of the European Union is responsible for
- Representing the EU before the country's authorities.
- Coordinating with the Embassies of the Member States and other EU representatives.
- Monitoring EU-Costa Rica and EU-Central America political and trade relations, reporting on EU decisions and regulations.
- Cooperate with Costa Rican public entities and civil society organisations, in accordance with the guidelines for EU cooperation with Latin America.
- Follow and support the management of EU cooperation projects in Costa Rica.
- Have close and fluid contact with the media, civil society organisations, universities, chambers of commerce, among others.
- Support and seek synergies in EU policies in the areas of science and technology, human rights and environment.
Political relations
The European Union and Costa Rica have always based their relations on mutual respect and the pursuit of the consolidation of democracy
Since 1984 with the establishment of the Delegation in the country, the European Union has been one of the most important strategic partners for Costa Rica; our joint work has been key to politically mature relations. There are two instruments that articulate this relationship:
- The Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) between the European Union and Central America, which entered into force in 2014. Thanks to this agreement, both regions have been able to intensify political dialogue, favouring cooperation on issues of regional integration, social cohesion, environment, science and technology, and education.
- The EU-Central America Association Agreement consists of three pillars: political, cooperation and trade.
Trade relations
The European Union and Costa Rica share a long-standing economic and trade relationship that was consolidated in June 2012 with the signing of the Association Agreement between the European Union and Central America, as well as its subsequent entry into force in October 2013. In terms of exports, the EU is Costa Rica's second largest trading partner (20%), after the United States (43%); however, Costa Rica is the European Union's most important partner in Central America. According to EUROSTAT data, between January and April 2021, the European Union exported €331 million to Costa Rica, a figure that represents a 7% growth compared to the same period in 2020. For its part, Costa Rica exported €951 million to the European Union, equivalent to a growth of 8%. The main products exported by the EU to Costa Rica are machinery (17%), vehicles (8%) and pharmaceutical products (7%). Costa Rica mainly exports bananas, pineapples and melons (43%), medical equipment (37%), and food preparations (5%).
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Development Cooperation
The EU and Costa Rica have a historic relationship with regard to cooperation and Costa Rica is a proactive, successful and committed partner in the formulation and implementation of new cooperation approaches that reflect its national needs linked to EU priorities. The country has established itself as a strategic partner for EU cooperation.
Highlighting the priorities of the new Von der Leyen Commission, the European Green Pact and digitalisation form the basis of EU cooperation in the world. The environment is already a pillar of EU cooperation in Costa Rica.
Public Diplomacy, Culture and Press
Public Diplomacy, through concrete actions with civil society actors, the private sector, universities, youth, women, and the media, seeks to create and consolidate collaborative links between the European Union and Costa Rica.
In this context we can point out very specific annual activities such as: Annual European Union-Costa Rica Gender Equality Award; European Film Festival, Reading Circle "Between Letters and Stars" (a rapprochement of European writers and artists with the Costa Rican public); Beach cleaning; Cleteando por Europa (cycling tour around the capital to promote the use of energy and clean transport); Talks in universities and analysis forums on the role of the European Union in the world and specifically in Costa Rica; participation of the Head of Delegation in multiple forums and presentations to government, private sector, civil society.