The second edition of the S&D Latin America Day, organised in partnership with the Party of European Socialists, takes place in Brussels on Wednesday 7 June. This year's event, themed 'Towards a New Progressive EU-Latin America Agenda,' aims to strengthen ties between progressive forces in Latin America and Europe and foster enhanced cooperation. The objective is to build and implement an ambitious social, democratic and environmental agenda in both regions.

Recent electoral processes have led to the emergence of new left-wing governments across the Latin American region, resulting in a robust progressive agenda. Moreover, the events of the past year, including Russia's aggression in Ukraine and its subsequent impact on the energy market and global supply chains, highlight the need for like-minded partners to strengthen relations to play a more influential role on the global stage.

This year’s Latin America Day welcomes esteemed guests from Europe and Latin America, including former Prime Minister of Spain José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, Commissioner for international partnerships Jutta Urpilainen, President of Brazil Lula da Silva, former President of Chile Michelle Bachelet Jeria, former President of Colombia Ernesto Samper Pizano and Argentina’s State Secretary of Climate Change Cecilia Nicolini, among many others.

These influential figures, together with S&D MEPs, will discuss the current state of political and economic relations between the two regions and outline the next steps ahead of the July European Council on the EU-Latin America partnership and beyond.

S&D leader, Iratxe García Pérez, said:

“Latin America is a natural partner of the European Union, and we are compelled to cooperate in a closer manner. Progressives on both sides of the Atlantic confront common challenges, such as poverty and inequality, global warming, migratory movements and gender equality. Beyond trade and neoliberal policies, we want international standards that promote human rights, labour rights and social justice. We also face a new wave of reactionary populism that threatens to weaken democracies, women's rights and the rights of minorities.”

S&D vice-president, Pedro Marques, said:

“The electoral victories of progressive forces in several Latin American countries – removing populist leaders who brought about socially-regressive policies and divisions – created the opportunity to strengthen a strategic partnership with the European Union and to face common challenges through a new progressive agenda.

“By gathering at S&D Latin America Day some of the most influential personalities in the region, we strengthen cooperation with our partners and lay the foundations for an even closer relationship between the EU and Latin America."