Strengthening partnership with Latin America is a priority for the EU, say leading S&Ds from El Salvador
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The EU-Latin America parliamentary assembly (Eurolat) closed today in El Salvador with a plenary meeting, after four days of work between members of both continents. Since Monday, several committees debated ways to tackle common challenges such as the global economy and social rights; threats to security; the rule of law and human rights.
However, despite the achievements of the assembly, members of the Group of the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament regret that the EU-CELAC* summit foreseen to take place in El Salvador later in October was suspended. They called for partners to solve the problems and re-schedule it in the first semester of 2018.
S&D MEP Ramón Jáuregui, who co-chairs the EU-Latin America Assembly (Eurolat), said:
“The S&D Group deplores the suspension of the EU-CELAC Summit following the recent developments in Venezuela. We believe that the joint interests and tasks of the EU and Latin America should not be postponed and urge the recently created team set up between the EU and CELAC to resolve the problems causing the postponement of the Summit as soon as possible, which we hope will take place in the first semester of 2018, in El Salvador."
“We advocate for the implementation of the Biregional Strategic Partnership, highlighting common challenges such as global peace, the rule of law, and the fight against tax evasion, tax fraud, terrorism and organised crime while tackling climate change and naturals disasters.”
S&D MEP Carlos Zorrinho added:
“In a moment of increased conflict around the globe, the S&Ds in the Eurolat Assembly worked towards strengthening the EU - Latin America partnership based on common democratic values, deep respect for each other and developing a commercial strategy that protects citizens' rights, boosts employment and growth and promotes sustainable development."
“We urge both sides to exploit the full potential of the EU-CELAC common research and innovation area making it the basis for deeper cooperation.”
* Note to the editors:
EU-CELAC summits bring together European, Latin American and Caribbean leaders to strengthen relations between the regions.
MEPs INVOLVED
ramon.jaureguiatondo@ep.europa.eu
+32(0)2 28 45582
+33(0)3 88 1 75582
+32 2 284 45 20
+33 3 88 17 45 20
S&D PRESS CONTACT
victoria.martindelatorre@ep.europa.eu
+33 3 88 16 42 98
+32 2 284 30 81