Imagine a world where two vibrant continents, Europe and Latin America, stand shoulder to shoulder, not just as neighbors but as unwavering allies in an increasingly turbulent global landscape. This isn’t just a dream—it’s the powerful reality unfolding at the CELAC-EU summit, where leaders are forging bonds that could reshape our future. But here’s where it gets intriguing: In a time of rising isolationism, are these partnerships truly the antidote to global divisions, or could they spark new debates about who really benefits?
Delivered by High Representative and Vice-President Kaja Kallas, this opening address kicks off with heartfelt greetings to key figures like President Gustavo Petro of Colombia, President Luis Lacalle Pou of Uruguay, and President Carlos Alvarado Quesada of Costa Rica, along with other heads of state, government leaders, and ministers. For those new to this, CELAC stands for the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, a regional bloc much like the European Union but focused on the Americas south of the U.S. border.
Kallas emphasizes how our regions are destined partners, sharing languages, cheering for each other’s soccer teams, and boasting cities alive with murals and music. But what truly unites us, she stresses, are core values: a deep-rooted faith in democracy, adherence to a rules-based international system, and reverence for international law.
Reflecting on the historic summit two years ago, she highlights how it marked a pivotal shift. They unveiled a bold investment strategy, teamed up on sustainable growth, and pledged to keep the conversation flowing. Since then, ties have strengthened amidst a world that’s become tougher, more competitive, and unpredictable. In this environment, security and economic success hinge on diversifying partnerships—finding reliable allies you can truly count on.
This summit, she proclaims, intensifies that alliance, proving we’re not merely natural partners but deliberate choices for each other. And this is the part most people miss: It’s a proactive stance against the chaos, showing how collaboration can thrive even when global winds shift.
Diving into the priorities, the first is trade and investment. Our continents are interwoven through a web of trade deals. In 2023 alone, a staggering €410 billion in goods and services exchanged hands between us. The EU leads as the top investor in CELAC countries, pumping in funds that drive local economies.
Yet, globally, there’s a troubling trend toward protectionism and seclusion. Kallas argues we can’t retreat; instead, we must embrace openness to counter these challenges. Europe’s stance is firm: We’ll be a dependable, transparent, and ethical trading partner for CELAC. Proud of our agreements, we’re finalizing deals like the one with Mercosur—a South American trade bloc—and updating pacts with Mexico. Plus, we’re ramping up investments because these connections yield mutual gains.
Take critical raw materials, for instance—think rare earths used in batteries and electronics. We’re building supply chains that are truly local, fostering jobs right where they’re needed. The Global Gateway initiative, a European strategy for sustainable infrastructure worldwide, is central here. Two years back, we pledged €45 billion to CELAC by 2027, and we’ve already unlocked €31 billion over the past three years, fueling over 100 projects. Examples include green hydrogen plants in Brazil (harnessing renewable energy to produce clean fuel), sargassum algae initiatives in the Caribbean (turning invasive seaweed into biofuels and fertilizers), and eco-friendly transport systems in Costa Rica.
We’re also accelerating the digital shift. The EU-LAC Digital Alliance, launched two years ago, aims to boost internet access across the region. But recognizing gaps, Europe is stepping up support for joint satellite systems, ensuring even the most isolated communities can connect online and maintain control over their digital destinies.
Here’s a controversial twist: In today’s data-driven world, succeeding in digital markets requires massive computing power. Without it, you can’t keep up. To address this, Kallas announces a groundbreaking EU-LAC Supercomputing Network—a collaborative platform sharing resources and funding across regions. Critics might argue this could deepen dependencies on tech from afar, but supporters see it as empowerment. What do you think—does this network level the playing field, or does it risk unequal partnerships?
Shifting to the second priority: the green transition. With COP30 climate talks looming just ahead, and President Ursula von der Leyen recently visiting Brazil, Kallas notes Europe’s strides in climate action. A decade ago, we faced a dire 3.7 degrees Celsius of global warming; now, projections are under 3 degrees. The EU’s latest nationally determined contribution targets a 66-72% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 compared to 1990 levels—a key step toward net-zero by 2050 and honoring the Paris Agreement. For the first time, renewables like solar and wind have surpassed coal as the planet’s top electricity source.
But climate devastation is no longer a future threat—it’s here now. Hurricane Melissa’s recent devastation in the Caribbean serves as a brutal wake-up call, prompting Europe to dispatch aid like water, shelter, and medical supplies. We must tackle root causes by intensifying anti-climate efforts.
Latin America and the Caribbean are trailblazers in this arena. With some of the world’s strongest solar and wind potential, renewables already power 65% of their electricity. Today, Kallas proudly announces backing for regional electricity integration—an initiative to weave cleaner, more secure energy grids across the continent.
The third focus is citizen security, where shared worries include organized crime, ocean safety, and cyber threats. Collaboration amplifies our defenses: enhancing support for current programs, bolstering ties between Europe’s Europol and local law enforcement. Excitingly, she’ll unveil an expansion of the EU’s Critical Maritime Routes program to cover the entire CELAC region, improving data sharing and joint actions to combat sea-based crimes.
In closing, Kallas quotes Mexican poet and diplomat Octavio Paz: ‘Friendship is born from the coincidence in ideas, feelings, and interests.’ This summit, she says, is our chance to transform shared interests into real progress and deepen friendships.
Thank you.
Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/media/video/I-280359
This speech paints a picture of opportunity, but it’s not without its controversies. For example, trade deals like Mercosur have faced backlash over environmental impacts—do the economic benefits outweigh the ecological costs? And in a world pushing for green energy, is Europe’s leadership in renewables genuinely inclusive, or does it sometimes prioritize its own interests? I’d love to hear your thoughts: Do you see these partnerships as a beacon of hope in divided times, or do they raise red flags about power imbalances? Share your opinions in the comments—let’s discuss!