The establishment of the ECR Eurolat Policy Group marks a significant step forward in enhancing relations with a region increasingly important for Europe’s prosperity and security.
The policy group, which was inaugurated in at the European Parliament session in Strasbourg this week, seeks to develop stronger ties with Latin America and the Caribbean, and especially with conservative parties and movements in the region.
It also seeks to strengthen Europe’s presence on the continent, and to belatedly compete against years of unchallenged political and economic penetration by China and Russia.
During the meeting, ECR MEPs expressed their satisfaction with the outcome of the first round of the presidential elections in Bolivia and the release of former president Jeanine Áñez from prison. The policy group further discussed the need to strengthen international pressure against drug trafficking cartels, especially those originating in Venezuela and Colombia. Participants expressed concern about the risks to the rule of law and the transparency of the electoral process in Honduras, as well as the start of legal proceedings against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and other members of the democratic opposition.
The meeting also discussed support for the Global Gateway, with its dedicated envelope for Latin America — €45 billion of investments divided into 135 specific projects focused on energy, transport and telecommunication infrastructure.
Carlo Fidanza MEP, head of the Italian delegation to the ECR Group, was elected President of the policy group, with MEPs Nora Junco García, Nicolas Bay and Adam Bielan elected as vice-presidents.
