On Wednesday 3 December, the ECR Group welcomed Argentina’s Minister for Deregulation and State Transformation, Federico Sturzenegger, to the European Parliament for an in-depth discussion on what has become known worldwide as the Milei Government’s “chainsaw” approach — cutting through layers of bureaucracy so that citizens and businesses can finally breathe, compete and innovate.

Sturzenegger set out the guiding logic behind Argentina’s reforms: reducing the weight of the state, creating room for entrepreneurship, and rebuilding the conditions for genuine economic dynamism. His reflections resonated strongly with ECR MEPs at a moment when Europe itself faces a serious competitiveness challenge and an ever-expanding regulatory burden.

We were also joined by Prof. Daniel Lacalle, who powerfully underlined a simple principle: when governments step back from overregulation and overtaxation, societies tend to move forward. Innovation, growth and confidence thrive when individuals and companies are trusted rather than constrained.

For the ECR Group, today’s exchange was more than a policy seminar. It reaffirmed that South America — especially its centre-right reform governments — is a natural, like-minded partner for Europe. We share a belief in economic freedom, democratic accountability and the need to remove the barriers that hold our societies back. Strengthening this political and economic dialogue is not merely useful; it is strategically essential.

Our sincere thanks to Minister Sturzenegger and Prof. Lacalle for their candid, engaging contributions — and a special thanks to Diego Solier and Nora Junco from the ECR Spanish Delegation for their excellent organisation and support throughout the visit. We also extend our thanks to former ECR MEP Rob Roos for his support in organising this visit.

Europe has much to learn from partners willing to challenge the status quo.