After 8 years, on June 17 and 18, the leaders of the countries of the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) meet in Brussels, with a view to strengthening ties between both regional blocs, and finding solutions to the new challenges facing humanity, basically in the ecological field. The defense of the rules-based international order, cooperation between States, respect for human rights and the defense of democracy, among the most crucial.
This III European Union-CELAC Summit is chaired by the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, in his capacity as President pro tempore of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). The great event will be attended by the Heads of State and Government of the 33 Member States of CELAC and the 27 States of the European Union. Also present are the President of the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, as well as representatives of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF), among others.
Although marked by some differences, both regional blocs have a common vision on issues of protection of the planet, so it is debated how to take advantage of the enormous potential and opportunities offered by the double ecological and digital transition to increase the prosperity of our peoples. Principles of just, social and equitable transformation will constitute the basis of the commitment between the countries to continue strengthening the union between CELAC and the European Union, working to achieve world peace and stability, always seeking the prosperity of the countries.
It should be noted that the European Union and CELAC form a block of 60 countries with a combined population of more than one billion inhabitants, with historical and cultural ties, which are strengthened and are the key to understanding between both regions.
The first European Union-CELAC meeting was held in 2013 in Chile and the second in Brussels in 2015.
New challenges and the search for new opportunities should emerge from this meeting, where the common vision rests on saving the planet and offering better life prospects, with an equitable distribution of wealth and new opportunities for the most disadvantaged.
Source: Periódico Digital Centroamericano y del Caribe
