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On February 3, the European Parliament in Brussels held an important debate on the relationship between the European Union (EU) and Latin America. The current context, defined by the recent suspension of US foreign aid, represents a turning point for this dialogue.
The event, called “Rethinking Global Gateway: youth, employment and education for an EU-LAC partnership that creates opportunities” brought together politicians, civil society leaders and young activists. The aim was to analyze how cooperation between the EU and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) can promote sustainable and inclusive development in the region.
The event was organized by MEPs Leire Pajín and Rosa Estaràs, in partnership with Ayuda en Acción, and featured prominent figures such as Gloria Inés Ramírez, Colombian Minister of Labor and President of the XXII Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor.
The partnership between the EU and Latin America
The political uncertainty following Donald Trump's return to the White House has generated diplomatic tensions, provoked modifications in immigration policies and led to the suspension of foreign aid. These factors aggravate the structural challenges of Latin America, such as low economic growth, high inequality and institutional limitations. Furthermore, the growing impact of environmental, demographic and technological changes is transforming the economy and labor markets, especially affecting youth employment, as noted in a recent report by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and Ayuda en Acción.
Given this, the European Union can develop a strengthened policy to become a key global player in Latin America. Alberto Casado, Director of Institutional Relations of Ayuda en Acción, emphasizes this opportunity: “The EU has a historic opportunity to strengthen its relationship with Latin America and build a partnership based on mutual cooperation and respect for local priorities. If Europe wants to play an important role on the global stage, it must make a firm commitment to Latin America, supporting initiatives that promote youth employment, ecological transition and the reduction of inequality”.
Youth at the center of development
One of the most important moments of the event was the high-level round table discussion “The review of the partnership policy and Global Gateway”. During the discussion, experts analyzed how the Global Gateway initiative can become an engine of social and economic transformation in Latin America, with a focus on youth inclusion. They emphasized the need for investment and cooperation policies to be aligned with local contexts and to promote the active participation of young people and other vulnerable groups.
Ayuda en Acción emphasized the importance of developing the Global Gateway strategy with a participatory approach. In this context, civil society organizations play a key role in the identification, design and implementation of sustainable development projects. Thanks to their direct relationship with local communities, they can strengthen institutional capacities and facilitate dialogue between the private sector, governments and donor agencies.
