EU-CELAC Strategic Partnership

A cooperation in need of a paradigm shift

On 17 and 18 July the Spanish Presidency to the EU is bringing leaders from both regions together in Brussels for the EU-CELAC Summit. This Summit is a turning point for a new agenda and to create a strategic partnership between the EU and Latin America and the Caribbean. This is why the Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament would like to convene a debate to better understand the potential of this strategic partnership and how it can stand up for people and planet.

For the Greens/EFA it is pivotal in the current state of the world that people and the climate must be at the core of the EU’s international activities. We can no longer allow unequal partnerships or trade agreements where one country tends to benefit from exploiting the other. Benefits must be equal, and people and the planet must be at the centre of its endeavours.

Hybrid event taking place on Monday 3rd July from 16.00-18.00 CEST in the European Parliament in Brussels, room SPINELLI 1H1.

Hosted by MEPs Jordi Solé, Tilly Metz, Ana Miranda, Thomas Waitz, Saskia Bricmont, Yannick Jadot.

Programme

16.00

Welcome and introduction of the debate

Jordi Solé, Member of the European Parliament for the Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament, Member of Eurolat

16.10

Bringing human rights to the core of EU-CELAC strategic partnership

For both regions, human rights are considered to be among the key areas that will have to define the future strategic partnership. Through collaboration human rights violations must be reduced on both sides of the Atlantic, strengthening civic space, ensuring gender equality, standing against discrimination and ensuring freedom of association and expression and the protection of human rights defenders and civic space.

Moderation: Tilly Metz, Member of the European Parliament for the Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament, Member of Eurolat (confirmed)

An exchange with panellists from Civil Society, Academia and other EU Institutions
Followed by Q&A
Closing remarks of the panel: Ana Miranda, Member of the European Parliament for the Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament

16.50

Coffee break

17.05

Updating the EU-CELAC partnership, how different instruments can be shaped to strengthen our relationship

International partnerships should be based on social equality, inclusivity and sustainability, this should be a central pillar of international relations. Besides trade agreements, that need a solid rethinking, what can both regions pursue together to ensure a green and inclusive partnership.

Moderation: Thomas Waitz, Member of the European Parliament for the Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament

An exchange with panellists from Civil Society, Academia and other EU Institutions
Followed by Q&A
Closing remarks of the panel: Saskia Bricmont, Member of the European Parliament for the Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament

17.45