Paraguay: Joint Committee with the EU takes place in Brussels

Joint press release by the EU and Paraguay.

The Joint Committee between the European Union and Paraguay took place on 23 October, in Brussels. 

This Joint Committee, created under 1992 EC-Paraguay Framework Cooperation Agreement, meets regularly to review the general state of relations between Paraguay and the European Union. The meeting addressed diplomatic issues of mutual interest, sectoral dialogue and cooperation, and pressing issues on the international scene. It also reviewed the results of the trade part of the Joint Committee meeting that was held on 22 October.

Both sides expressed interest in working and collaborating in areas of common interest, taking into account their respective visions and specificities. In the context of the EU-LAC Global Gateway Investment Agenda, and against the backdrop of the EU-MERCOSUR Agreement, the EU plans to boost investment opportunities in Paraguay – jointly with EU Member states, the private sector from both sides and national and international financial institutions – in infrastructures such as water and sanitation, renewable energies, regional electric inter-connection, among others. 

The Parties agreed on the need to step up dialogue and cooperation in combatting organised crime and stem the increasing illicit trafficking flows between Europe and South America, which include the trafficking of illicit drugs, human beings, and arms, stressing that this was a shared responsibility. They underlined Paraguay’s participation in region-to-region programmes, such as EL PAcCTO, EUROFRONT, and COPOLAD. With a view to deepening bilateral cooperation, the EU invited Paraguay to engage with the EU and its Member States through EMPACT (European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats).

Regarding international issues, both Parties reaffirmed their shared vision of effective multilateralism and a rules-based international order, with the United Nations at its core, and the need to remain firm against violations of the UN Charter. They underlined their support for Ukraine and condemnation of Russia’s aggression, in line with the established international legal order. They also welcomed the positive developments in the Gaza conflict, with the implementation of the first phase of the US peace plan, the ceasefire and the release of all living hostages, and underlined the importance of full access to humanitarian aid.

Both Parties confirmed their determination to sign and ratify the Association Agreement between the European Union and MERCOSUR as soon as possible. They reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate at regional level, notably through the dialogue between the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and expressed their desire to work for the November 2025 EU-CELAC Summit to produce concrete results, for the benefit of the citizens of both continents. 

Both delegations agreed to maintain a permanent open dialogue. The European Union and Paraguay declared their interest in facing, together, the challenges of the XXI century, in a context of support for multilateralism and human rights and engage meaningfully in the upcoming COP 30 (Brazil, 10-21 November). 

The Joint Committee was co-chaired by Acting Managing Director for the Americas of the European External Action Service, Pelayo Castro, on the EU side, and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Victor Verdún, with the participation of Vice Minister of Trade Rodrigo Maluff, on the Paraguayan side.