The Delegation of the European Union in Honduras, headed by Ambassador Gonzalo Fournier, celebrated Europe Day with a formal ceremony that brought together representatives of the Honduran government, civil society organizations, media, academia, international organizations, and the diplomatic corps.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Fournier addressed the attendees, highlighting the value of European integration, the EU’s commitment to facing global challenges alongside its partners, and the fundamental values guiding its actions: human rights, democracy, rule of law, human dignity, equality, and freedom.

“The European Union is committed to peace and cooperation, not only within our borders but also around the world. We want to be a partner in prosperity, committed to open economies and sustainable development, promoting resilience and mutual economic security. In Honduras, we have over 240 million euros in ongoing cooperation projects—much more if we consider the bilateral cooperation from our Member States,” he stated.

The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Honduras, Antonio García, also gave remarks, emphasizing the cooperation between the European Union and Honduras, as well as the strong bonds of friendship that unite both regions.

“We are grateful for the valuable collaboration that European countries provide in various fields, and we express our hope that our reciprocal relationship based on trust and empathy will continue to grow, and that multilateralism will help make our world safer and more livable,” said the Vice Minister. 

He also highlighted the EU’s support, through the Global Gateway strategy, in major projects such as the recovery of Lake Yojoa and the El Tablón dam.

Through an exhibition featuring symbolic objects and explanatory panels, guests had the opportunity to learn more about the tangible achievements of the European Union's cooperation in Honduras.

Guests also enjoyed European classical music performed by a string quartet and sampled a variety of European and Honduran snacks.

European Union Cooperation

The European Union is one of Honduras’ main development partners. Through its multiannual program 2021–2027, the EU has prioritized initiatives in key areas such as combating climate change and promoting sustainability, economic growth, and employment. With a portfolio of over 40 active projects, its cooperation directly benefits the lives of thousands of Hondurans.

These commitments have translated into tangible results that improve the quality of life across various regions of the country. Thanks to joint efforts with national authorities and local partners, recent significant achievements include:

• Nutritional care was provided to over 55,000 children in 100 health facilities across 39 prioritized municipalities outside the dry corridor.
• Over the past three years, nearly 15,000 women per year accessed reproductive and postpartum healthcare services.
• 325 families benefited from 169 productive initiatives, each generating up to 10 jobs per household through seed capital.
• Construction of 5 municipal markets was supported to boost the local economy.
• Over 50 health centers received medical equipment.
• 50 technical assistances were funded to modernize registration processes, improve citizen services, and promote a culture of civil registration.
• Contributions were made to reducing under-registration, especially in rural and historically excluded communities.
• 5 electronic self-service kiosks were installed to generate free records, ID requests, and more.
• A public policy on human rights was designed, including an action plan and monitoring system.
• A human rights observatory was established in collaboration with the National Commissioner for Human Rights.
• 20,162 individuals were trained in human rights, gender, local political advocacy, and related topics.
• 53 community-based organizations implemented education and human rights protection projects.
• 1,896 field school training sessions were held: sustainable practices, productivity improvement, and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions reduction.
• Over 64,000 hectares of forest were conserved or restored.
• Over 438,000 tons of CO₂ were captured through integrated green landscape management.
• 38 community initiatives were developed for improved cacao genetics, biodigesters in livestock farming, and productive agroforestry systems.
• 46 community nurseries were established: over 224,000 trees (timber and fruit) were planted.
• Value chain strengthening initiatives created self-employment opportunities.
• The Alternative Popular Credit (CAP) financial inclusion model was designed and implemented.
• Tech entrepreneurship and capacity development of CDE-MIPYME were promoted to boost the creation of Green MSMEs.
• Support was provided for the digital transformation of vocational training, including a feasibility study for implementing job-training simulators.
• A Technical Education and Vocational Training Policy was promoted to generate skilled labor.
• The planning and financial-management capacity of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security was strengthened to optimize EU budget support for the employment sector.

Key Projects Under the Global Gateway Investment Agenda

As part of the Global Gateway Investment Agenda, the European Union has committed €38.35 million (approximately 1.046 billion lempiras) in non-reimbursable aid and leveraged financing to support key national projects. These include governance and social and environmental protection processes surrounding the construction of the El Tablón dam, sustainable recovery of Lake Yojoa, and actions to foster citizen participation and transparency in these projects.

The EU is also investing in strengthening the regional electricity market.

Trade

Over the past three years, European companies' investments have accounted for 21% of total foreign investment in Honduras, highlighting the EU’s key role in strengthening the national economy.

Moreover, under the EU–Central America Association Agreement, EU Member States remain key trading partners for Honduras. Europe purchases:

• 54% of Honduran coffee
• 90% of fine cocoa
• 55% of palm oil
• 35.7% of gourmet shrimp

In the past 13 years, Honduras has maintained a favorable trade balance with the EU, exporting twice as much as it imports, reflecting the success and sustainability of the agreement.