Latin America & the Caribbean
The EU and Latin America and the Caribbean have enjoyed privileged relations since the first bi-regional Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) in 1999, which established a strategic partnership. They are natural partners linked by strong historical, cultural and economic ties. They co-operate closely at international level and maintain an intensive political dialogue at all levels.
The aspirations of young people around the world need to be at the core of our political, social and economic development debate. Protecting and fighting for youths’ equal rights, particularly in developing regions, contributes to a fairer and more sustainable development. On the International Youth Day, the EU highlights the importance of giving voice to the young people and empowering them to better address the challenges of the future.
The European Union Latin-America and Caribbean Foundation (EU-LAC) is having its 2020 Essay Competition on the theme: The New Multilateralism in the Age of COVID-19 from the perspective of European Union-Latin America and Caribbean Relations.
The devastating explosions that hit Beirut last week killed and injured numerous people and have destroyed major parts of the city and the livelihood of many of its inhabitants. The international community, and in the first place the European Union and its Member States, has reacted quickly to mitigate the immense damage and suffering caused. However, as it is often the case when such disasters happen, the most important and difficult steps lie ahead: what thousands of Lebanese citizens are asking for is to tackle deeper-rooted problems. As a long-time friend of Lebanon, the EU will stand by their sides in their efforts to build a more prosperous and democratic Lebanon. We owe it to the victims of August 4th.
Indigenous Peoples have been socially, economically, politically and judicially excluded for centuries. The unbalance puts them at a greater risk in the current challenging international landscape. On the Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, the EU extends its solidarity to all indigenous peoples. The EU is acting on the ground to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and calls for global efforts to protect indigenous peoples.
Every day we see deepening tensions between the US and China with clashes over a variety of issues. Positions are hardening with advocates of decoupling in the ascendancy in both Washington and Beijing. This US-China strategic rivalry will probably be the dominant organising principle for global politics, regardless who wins the next presidential US elections. In that context, we need to hold our nerve and frame our own EU approach. I would like to reflect here about a few principles that should guide us
"Frente a la crisis generada por la pandemia, solo hay una respuesta, trabajar de manera coherente y solidaria con quienes más nos necesitan".
