1. Introduction
“Latin America is absent from the European agenda, except when a summit between the two regions comes around and Europe cannot show up empty‐handed.” This statement from the Spanish Elcano Royal Institute can be underlined by trade figures. 2008 only one Latin American country (Brazil) was among the 20 most important EU trading partners. The EU’s economic relations with countries like Vietnam, Kazakhstan or Angola are more substantial than with Venezuela, Colombia or Peru.
While economic importance of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) for the EU is small and even declining , relations are far more vital for the other side. In 2007, the EU was the second largest trading partner for the region and provided most foreign direct investments and official development assistance. Nonetheless, with only 4% of EU development aid, the region receives least in global comparison. From a LAC viewpoint, the relations have fallen short of expectations considering the strong historic and cultural ties and the hope created by the launch of a new strategy in the mid-90s promising greater access to the European market. Since 1999 five EU-LAC summits have been held declaring an interregional approach and the vision of a Bi‐regional Strategic Partnership but no significant progress has been achieved. In May 2010 another summit will take place, this time under Spanish Presidency, and skepticism exists whether great advancement can be reached.
The paper will outline today’s EU-LAC relations and give an outlook for the future. A changed global scenario requires a new approach towards LAC which needs to consider the shortcomings in internal integration as well as the differences in development within the region. A pure focus on bilateral agreements will not be a sustainable solution. Moreover, trade centered negotiations with LAC countries do not acknowledge the growing political influence of the region. Thus, political dialogue and social issues should play a stronger role in interregional relations.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. EU-LAC Relations Today
3. A changed world scenario
4. A new strategy for EU-Latin American Relations
5. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the current state of relations between the European Union and Latin America (LAC), analyzing why previous interregional approaches have largely stagnated. It explores the shift toward bilateralism, the impact of changing global economic dynamics, and the necessity of evolving toward a more sustainable, multidimensional partnership that moves beyond trade-focused negotiations.
- The decline of traditional interregional cooperation models.
- The challenges of internal integration and political divergence within LAC.
- The impact of global economic shifts and the emergence of new regional actors.
- The need for a diversified agenda including social, political, and multilateral cooperation.
- The strategic role of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in future trade relations.
Excerpt from the Book
3. A changed world scenario
The basis for cooperation between LAC and the EU is not the same as it was 15 years ago. Many LAC states have evolved middle-income-countries and are reluctant to negotiate with the EU on terms set for them when asymmetries were larger. Various new EU member states (MS) today have lower per capita GDP than countries in Latin America. Some LAC countries became global players and corporations like Petrobras, Cemex and Bimbo established themselves on the European market.
Despite its improved economic position, EU interest in Latin America has declined primarily because the region has stabilized. The current economic crisis has slowed growth in Latin America and the EU and forced the latter to concentrate on its home market. To this adds a power-binding internal reform process and the accession of 12 new MS. None of the new members has substantial interest in Latin America and some even have economic structure in agriculture and personal-intensive industries in competition with LAC countries. This further lowered LAC portfolio in the Union and the influence of countries interested in the region, such as Spain and to a lesser extent Portugal, Germany and France. Moreover, under President Bush, US foreign policy has also put little emphasis on Latin America and has taken EU interest with it to regions with constant security threats and to the new economic powerhouses in the Asian-Pacific region.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter outlines the current disconnect between the EU and Latin America, noting that despite historical and cultural ties, economic relations remain peripheral and stagnant.
2. EU-LAC Relations Today: The author analyzes the "patchwork approach" of existing agreements and highlights the persistent stalemate in negotiations with major regional blocs like MERCOSUR and the Andean Community.
3. A changed world scenario: This section details how shifting economic realities, internal EU enlargement, and the emergence of new global actors have diminished the strategic priority of the LAC region for Europe.
4. A new strategy for EU-Latin American Relations: The chapter argues for a transition from rigid trade-focused policies toward a diversified interregional agenda that includes political dialogue, multilateral coordination, and social integration.
5. Conclusion: The summary emphasizes that the EU needs a more cohesive, comprehensive approach that incorporates all member states rather than relying on unilateral interest-driven initiatives.
Keywords
European Union, Latin America, LAC, Regional Integration, Bilateral Agreements, MERCOSUR, Andean Community, Trade Policy, Political Dialogue, Foreign Direct Investment, Global Governance, Common Agricultural Policy, Multilateralism, Sustainable Development, Strategic Partnership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper evaluates the current state of EU-Latin American relations, arguing that the existing interregional cooperation framework is outdated and insufficient for current global political and economic conditions.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
Key themes include the failure of interregionalism, the rise of bilateralism, the impact of Latin American middle-income growth, and the necessity of broadening the political and social dimensions of cooperation.
What is the primary objective or research question?
The paper seeks to identify why EU-LAC relations have stagnated and proposes a new strategic approach that moves beyond trade-centered negotiations toward a more comprehensive, sustainable partnership.
Which methodology does the author employ?
The work utilizes a qualitative analysis based on trade data, official policy documents, existing literature on international relations, and assessments of institutional frameworks like MERCOSUR and CAN.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main sections address the limitations of subregional organizations, the impact of the EU's internal enlargement, the influence of US foreign policy, and the need for institutional reforms like an EU-LAC Summit Secretariat.
How would one characterize this work with keywords?
The work is defined by terms such as EU-LAC relations, regional integration, bilateralism, and the political and economic interdependence between Europe and Latin American states.
How does the role of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) affect negotiations?
The author argues that the CAP is a major sticking point; as long as the EU remains unable to make substantial concessions in this area, progress in trade negotiations with Latin American countries remains blocked.
What is the "false dilemma of all or nothing" mentioned in the text?
It refers to the current EU approach where, if regional-wide negotiations fail, the EU defaults to bilateral agreements, which the author warns could lead to the total disruption of subregional organizations like the Andean Community.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Janine Schildt (Autor:in), 2009, Die Zukunft der EU-Lateinamerika Beziehungen, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/159971
