On 3 February, the European Parliament in Brussels hosted a crucial debate on the relationship between the European Union (EU) and Latin America.
This meeting took place in a context marked by the recent freezing of US foreign aid, which underlines the need to strengthen strategic alliances and redefine international cooperation.
Under the title ‘Rethinking Global Gateway: youth, employment and education for an EU-LAC partnership that generates opportunities’, the event brought together political leaders, representatives of civil society and young activists. The event was co-organised by MEPs Leire Pajín and Rosa Estaràs, Ayuda en Acción and ECLAC. In addition, it included the participation of Gloria Inés Ramírez, Colombian Minister of Labour and President of the XXII Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labour, Félix Fernández-Shaw, Director for Latin America, the Caribbean and relations with all Overseas Countries and Territories at DG INTPA, Sayuri Andrade, young activist for decent work in Peru and Antonia Potter, Director of Alliance2015.
The event highlighted the role of the EU as a key strategic partner for Latin America, emphasising the importance of cooperation based on shared values and the promotion of human rights, equity and sustainability.
Rethinking Global Gateway
During the high-level round table ‘Reviewing the partnership policy and Global Gateway’, the need for European investments to be aligned with local priorities in Latin America was emphasised. This approach will allow the EU to be seen not only as an economic actor, but also as a partner committed to social welfare, climate justice and citizens’ participation.
In addition, it was shared that the success of initiatives such as Global Gateway will depend on their ability to integrate the voice of local communities, promoting a development model that respects cultural diversity and fosters resilience in the face of global challenges such as climate change, inequality and migration crises.
The situation in Latin America
The political uncertainty following Donald Trump’s return to the White House has generated diplomatic tensions, provoked modifications in migration policies and led to the freezing of foreign aid. These factors aggravate Latin America’s structural challenges, such as low economic growth, high inequality and institutional limitations. In addition, the growing impact of environmental, demographic and technological changes is transforming the economy and labour markets, particularly affecting youth employment, as pointed out in a recent report by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and Ayuda en Acción that was presented at the event.
In view of this, the European Union can develop a strengthened policy to become a key global player in Latin America. Alberto Casado, Director of Institutional Relations at Ayuda en Acción, emphasises this opportunity:
‘The EU has a historic opportunity to strengthen its relationship with Latin America and build an alliance based on mutual cooperation and respect for local priorities. If Europe wants to play a relevant 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’.
Antonia Potter Prentice, Director of Alliance2015, stresses the role of international and local CSOs in helping young people building their skills and abilities, and facilitating linkages with the private sector for decent and formal employment opportunities amidst increased malnutrition and food insecurity rates, a worsening economic crisis and the impacts of climate change in the region:
‘This timely report also highlights the vital role of international and local civil society organisations in connecting young people, building their skills and abilities, supporting their participation in decision making and facilitating linkages with SDG-friendly Global Gateway projects and other multi stakeholder opportunities to build better lives, a better protected environment and reduce inequality in Latin America’.
It is very important to take a long-term perspective and invest in young people’s empowerment and development holistically, through education, skills development, mentorship and networking, and also through enhancing their role as decision-makers that can add immense value to the policies concerning them. Investing in quality education, including higher education, for the youth in rural settings is paramount to achieving inclusive sustainable development. This must be matched by adequate vocational training and connection to the job market – thus, partnering with the private sector – along with social protection, health, connectivity and access to digitalization, those investments that are always needed to protect vulnerable groups and build sustainable communities.
Author: Ayuda en Acción.
