Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
Today, Monday, the summit of the European Union and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean begins, which will be held in Brussels for the first time in eight years. Over two days, the Heads of State and Government of the EU member states and the leaders of 33 countries from Latin America and the Caribbean (CELAC) will meet with the aim of revitalizing the EU-LAC partnership, working together to achieve a green and digital environment for just transitions, and demonstrating a common commitment to uphold the existing international order. on the rules.
During the summit, leaders will discuss a wide range of topics, from promoting cooperation in multilateral and global peace and stability, to trade and investment, economic recovery, efforts to combat climate change, research and innovation, and justice and security. Global Gateway, the EU's global communication strategy to get the Sustainable Development Goals back on track, will be at the center of exchanges on how to ensure a just green and digital transition on the ground, address inequalities, develop strategic industries, and build solid, diverse supply chains between the EU and its partners. .
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will take part in the summit, which will be co-chaired by the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, in his capacity as pro-CELAC Chair. .
Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, High Representative and Vice-President of the Commission Josip Borrell, Vice-President Dubravka Zwicka, and Commissioners Janez Lenarcic, Jutta Orbelinen and Kadri Simson will participate on behalf of UNHCR.
According to a statement issued by the Commission's headquarters in Brussels, Presidents Michel and von der Leyen will hold a joint press conference after the summit, on Tuesday, July 18.
Just before the EU-LAC Summit, this Monday morning, the Commission is convening an EU-LAC Business Summit to discuss the new investment and trade opportunities offered by the Global Gateway and how to engage the private sector. President von der Leyen, Brazilian President Lula and Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez will deliver remarks during the opening of the round table.
According to a European statement issued in Brussels, the meeting of foreign affairs ministers between the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, held in Buenos Aires in October 2022, re-launched the high-level political dialogue between the two regions and endorsed a bi-regional roadmap as a tangible sign of a forward-looking and positive agenda. . The adoption of a new agenda for relations with Latin America and the Caribbean on June 7, 2022, is also a clear indication of the renewed strategic partnership between the European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean.