DAND - European Parliament

General documents - HRVP Blog of 4 May 2023 on why Colombia matters for the EU - Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community

Thu, 04 May 2023 14:44:25 GMT

Why Colombia matters for the EU

HR/VP Blog - Last week, I was in Colombia. This key country in Latin America, is currently trying to get out of 60 years of terrible violence. We must continue to support this peace effort and reinforce our bilateral relations. Strengthening EU-Colombia relations helps also to develop the cooperation between the EU and Latin America and the Caribbean on the eve of the EU-CELAC summit in July.

With its 50 million people, the third country after Brazil and Mexico, and its 1.1 million km2 surface, three times Poland or Germany, twice France or Spain, Colombia is a key country in Latin America. Colombia is also a bridge between South and Central America and between the Latin America that looks towards the Pacific and the one that borders the Atlantic and the Caribbean. However, for more than 60 years, this country has also been subject to a terrible violence that has claimed close to 250,000 lives and left more than eight million victims.

[...]

Full text of the HRVP Blog of 4 May 2023 (EN)

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - EEAS Statement of 1 May 2023 on HRVP concluding his visit to Colombia - Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community

Tue, 02 May 2023 09:46:57 GMT

Colombia: High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell concludes visit to the country

HR/VP Josep Borrell was in Colombia from 25-30 April, where he represented the EU at the International Conference on Venezuela, held bilateral talks with the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro and other high-ranking Colombian politicians, convened the dialogue América Latina, el Caribe y Europa: Recalibrar nuestra asociación estratégica, and met with representatives from civil society, victims of the armed conflict and Venezuelan migrants.

At the International Conference on Venezuela on 25 April, HR/VP Borrell commended the initiative organised by President Gustavo Petro, underlining the importance of involving regional and international stakeholders while searching for a Venezuelan-led solution. The HR/VP stressed the EU's commitment to Venezuela's democratic transition, highlighted the electoral observation mission sent by the Union to observe the 2021 elections, and stressed the importance of unblocking the negotiations in México.

His remarks upon arrival at the Conference and answers to journalists' questions are available here.

[...]

Full text of the EEAS Statement of 1 May 2023 (EN)

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - HRVP Blog of 28 April 2023 on a window of opportunity to solve the Venezuelan crisis - Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 10:10:59 GMT

A window of opportunity to solve the Venezuelan crisis

HR/VP Blog - On Tuesday, I participated together with representatives of 20 countries in the international conference on Venezuela organised in Bogota by Colombia's President Petro to reactivate the Venezuelan-led negotiation process. It is urgent to join forces to help government and opposition agree to hold elections in 2024 in accordance with international standards.

Since the start of my mandate, I have been engaging in many efforts to help find a Venezuelan-led political solution to the Venezuelan crisis (see here and here). In particular, we have sent an EU mission to observe the regional and municipal elections in 2021. But sadly, these efforts, like those of many other actors, have not been successful so far. That is why we support President Petro's initiative to break the current deadlock and create a new dynamic.

The humanitarian situation remains dire

The humanitarian situation remains dire in Venezuela, despite some improvement in 2022 due in particular to an increase in oil revenues. According to the latest figures shared by EU partners, around 20 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance out of a population of 29 million. And more than 7.2 million Venezuelans have had to flee their country, most of them living in the Latin America and Caribbean countries, which have shown exceptional solidarity despite the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and inflation. Since 2018, the EU has provided €540 million to alleviate this migration crisis, principally in Ecuador, Peru and Colombia. Last March, the Solidarity Conference with Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants and their host countries, organised jointly by the EU and Canada in Brussels, raised a total of €815 million. However, the needs are much bigger and the Venezuelan refugees deserve to be able to go back to their homeland.

[...]

Full text of the HRVP Blog of 28 April 2023

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - HRVP Declaration of 27 April 2023 after his meeting with Chancellor Álvaro Leyva - Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 09:30:35 GMT

Colombia: Declaraciones del Alto Representante/Vicepresidente Josep Borrell tras su encuentro con el Canciller Álvaro Leyva

Gracias Canciller,

Quiero agradecer al Canciller Álvaro Leyva por su muy amable invitación y por la extensa e intensa conversación que hemos mantenido.

Esto es para mí una gran ocasión para dirigirme también a los colombianos para decirles que la Unión Europea y Colombia debemos seguir profundizando en nuestra relación bilateral, que tiene que concebirse como una relación estratégica de largo alcance. Y en este contexto, con el ministro, con el Canciller, hemos reafirmado nuestro compromiso de elevar nuestras relaciones y de concluir un Acuerdo de Asociación y de Cooperación que complemente el Acuerdo comercial que ya tenemos, pero que necesita ser modernizado.

Hace años, las exportaciones de Colombia a Europa eran básicamente energéticas. Hoy, sectores económicos, como la agricultura, tienen un papel mucho más importante. Hay que poner al día este Acuerdo [comercial] e adaptarlo al desarrollo económico que ha tenido Colombia en los últimos años.

Usted, Canciller, ha mencionado el proceso de paz, y permítanme hacer una referencia clara al proceso de paz que está en el centro de nuestras relaciones con Colombia. Sabemos cuán largo ha sido este conflicto, que ha afectado ya a tres generaciones de colombianos y colombianas. He tenido ocasión de reunirme con el Alto Comisionado para la Paz, el señor Danilo Rueda, con representantes afro-indígenas, con mujeres, con jóvenes, con la iglesia, con víctimas y con líderes que quieren el cambio y trabajan hacia una paz total, hacia una paz integral - que es el objetivo del presidente [de Colombia, Gustavo] Petro.

[...]

Full text of the HRVP Declaration of 27 April 2023 (in Spanish only)

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - HRVP Declaration of 26 April 2023 during his visit at the Escuela Taller in Colombia - Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 10:35:18 GMT

Colombia: Declaraciones del Alto Representante/Vicepresidente Josep Borrell durante su visita a la Escuela Taller

Buenas tardes,

Bien. Les agradezco su atención y siento llegar tarde, pero hemos tenido una mañana muy interesante, muy importante para aumentar el conocimiento sobre Colombia y ver las oportunidades que tenemos de cooperación. Y quiero agradecer mucho al presidente [de Colombia, Gustavo] Petro [por] su invitación, su hospitalidad, que me ha permitido, además, por coincidencia de calendario, asistir a la Conferencia convocada por el presidente Petro sobre Venezuela.

Muchas gracias de nuevo a todos por su acogida.

Para mí es un gran privilegio poder visitar Colombia por primera vez como Alto Representante de la Unión Europea para las políticas exteriores y de seguridad. Pero había venido a Colombia varias veces antes, como ministro español de relaciones exteriores y como ciudadano que conoce este país.

Ayer tuvimos la Conferencia sobre Venezuela, de la cual creo que ya hemos hablado, pero también estoy a su disposición.

Esta mañana, he empezado mi programa bilateral en el país, que en los próximos dos días aquí en Bogotá, estará centrado en el proceso de paz y en nuestra cooperación con Colombia.

Colombia es un socio clave para nosotros, tanto al nivel bilateral, como regional, como multilateral. Y la iniciativa del presidente Petro no hace sino remarcar esta importancia.

[...]

Full text of the HRVP Declaration of 26 April 2023 (in Spanish only)

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - EEAS Statement of 26 April 2023 on the EU announcing new projects in Colombia - Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 10:35:09 GMT

Colombia: EU announces new cooperation projects

During his visit to Colombia on Wednesday, High Representative/Vice President (HR/VP) Josep Borrell announced five new projects worth €26.5 million, to which additional funding from EU Member States will be added. These projects aim to support Colombia's green transition, combat climate change, and promote peace in the country.

The first project is focused on the green transition and combating climate change. Currently, Colombia loses nearly 200,000 hectares of forest every year, which is unsustainable for both the country and the world. President Petro's government aims to reduce deforestation by 20% per year, and the EU wants to support this goal. To help, the EU announced new budget support of €10.5 million. This project adds to the 15 other ongoing green projects worth €32.8 million.

The EU recognises Colombia's significant efforts in hosting a large number of migrants, particularly the 2.6 million Venezuelans and returnees. This week, the EU announced a new project worth €10 million that will help support socio-economic integration of the migrant population as well as the economic empowerment of host communities. Currently, there are EU projects worth €58 million underway to support migrants.

In addition, two other projects worth €2 million and €3.8 million respectively, will support peace in Colombia. The first project will help fund the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP), and the second will aid victims of the armed conflict and gender-based violence.

[...]

Full text of the EEAS Statement of 26 April 2023 (EN)

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - HRVP Statement of 25 April 2023 upon his arrival in Colombia - Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 10:35:00 GMT

Colombia: Declaraciones del Alto Representante/Vicepresidente Josep Borrell a su llegada a la Conferencia Internacional sobre el proceso político en Venezuela

Buenas tardes,

Es mi primera visita a Colombia, estoy muy satisfecho de estar en Colombia por primera vez, no como español sino como europeo, como representante de la Unión europea, y quiero agradecerle al presidente [de Colombia, Gustavo] Petro que haya convocado en esta Conferencia Internacional para seguir explorando la manera de devolver a la senda democrática en Venezuela desde los acuerdos entre venezolanos, entre el gobierno y la oposición.

Como saben, hay negociaciones desde hace mucho tiempo, en México, que no avanzan y esta iniciativa que ha tomado el presidente [de Colombia, Gustavo] Petro puede contribuir a desbloquear la situación en que el acuerdo humanitario al que se llegó ya hace meses se aplique, y por eso la Unión Europea ha querido estar presente.

Enviamos una misión de observación electoral [durante] las pasadas elecciones. Esa misión hizo 23 observaciones para mejorar la calidad democrática del proceso, que esperamos que se implementen y se apliquen para las próximas elecciones cuando estas se produzcan.

En su conjunto, vamos a ver de qué manera podemos entre todos y en particular los países latinoamericanos que son los que tienen más interés y están más cerca del problema, en impulsar la vuelta a la vía democrática de Venezuela desde la base de los acuerdos entre venezolanos.

[...]

Full text of the HRVP Statement of 25 April 2023 (only in Spanish)

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - EEAS Statement of 24 April 2023 on the HRVP traveling to Colombia - Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 14:03:58 GMT

HR/VP Josep Borrell travels to Colombia

As part of the EU's priority to strengthen relations with Latin America and the Caribbean, and ahead of the EU-CELAC Summit to be held in Brussels in July this year, High Representative/Vice President Josep Borrell will be in Colombia from 25-30 April.

On 25 April, HR/VP Borrell will represent the EU in the International Conference on Venezuela in Bogota (broadcast on EbS) at +/- 16:00 CEST [TBC]. The EU is a major partner of Venezuelan migrants and refugees in the region as well as a supporter of political dialogue efforts to address the Venezuela crisis. The HR/VP will also meet with the Head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia.

On 26 April, HR/VP Borrell will meet with Gustavo Petro, President of the Republic of Colombia, and hold a joint press conference (broadcast on EbS - timing to be announced). The EU has been a strong partner of the peace process in Colombia and fully supports initiatives at bringing about a lasting peace in the country.

During his visit, he will hold several bilateral meetings, such as with Vice-President of Colombia, Francia Marquez; Álvaro Leyva, Minister for Foreign Affairs; Danilo Rueda, High Commissioner for Peace; Alfonso Prada, Minister of the Interior; Iván Velasquez, Minister for National Defence; Susana Muhamad, Minister of Environment; and Juan Manuel Santos, former President of the Republic of Colombia.

[...]

Full text of the EEAS Statement of 24 April 2023 (EN)

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - HRVP Speech at EP Plenary on 18 April 2023 on the situation in Peru - Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 15:03:46 GMT

Peru: Speech by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell in the EP Plenary on the situation in the country

Señor Presidente, Mr President, Señorías del Parlamento europeo,

Parece que Perú atrae menos que China - o al menos, hay menos gente en el Hemiciclo que al final del debate sobre China esta mañana.

Y sin embargo, lo que está ocurriendo en Perú es extraordinariamente importante y grave. Pero permítanme, antes que entrar en la cuestión, expresar de nuevo nuestra simpatía, nuestro apoyo a todos los afectados por el ciclón Yaku - uno más - y a por sus devastadores efectos.

Señorías, no les voy a explicar lo que ya saben. Perú es un país amigo de Europa, es uno de nuestros socios en América Latina. Fue mi primer viaje a América Latina como Alto Representante [para Asuntos Exteriores y Política de Seguridad]. Todavía estaba el presidente [Pedro] Castillo, recién elegido.

Un país que pasa por una grave crisis social y política, cuyo último capítulo acabamos de ver. Pero si se ve en perspectiva, realmente lo que tenemos es una grave crisis estructural de gobernabilidad. Una crisis profunda y duradera, con un deterioro institucional que ha ido agravándose y que está desembocando en una verdadera crisis de representación política.

[...]

Full text of the HRVP Speech at Plenary on 18 April 2023 (ES)

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Latest news - DAND Meeting of 20 March 2023 - Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 13:23:54 GMT

This meeting of the Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community (DAND) took place on 20 March 2023 and included an Update on the political situation in Peru and an Exchange of views on the creation of an EU-LAC Digital Alliance.

Meeting documents of 20 March 2023
Webstreaming of the meeting of 20 March 2023

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - Interparliamentary DAND meeting of 13 October 2022 - Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 13:15:08 GMT

On 13 October 2022, the Delegation for Relations with the Countries of the Andean Community (DAND) organised an interparliamentary meeting (semi-remote) with members of the Permanent Specialized Commission for International Relations and Human Mobility of Ecuador and representatives of the Interparliamentary Group of Friendship of Ecuador and the European Union.

Meeting documents of 13 October 2022
Webstreaming of the meeting of 13 October 2022
Minutes of the meeting of 13 October 2022 : [EN] - [ES] - [FR]

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - DAND Meeting of 20 March 2023 - Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 13:12:55 GMT

Meeting documents of 20 March 2023
Webstreaming of the Meeting of 20 March 2023

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - DAND Meeting of 8 September 2022 - Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 13:12:49 GMT

The meeting of the Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community (DAND) on 8 September 2022 included an Exchange of views on the political situation in Colombia following the latest round of elections and an Exchange of views on the current political situation in Ecuador and preparation for the next EU-Ecuador interparliamentary meeting.

Meeting documents of 8 September 2022
Webstreaming of the meeting of 8 September 2022
Minutes of the meeting of 8 September 2022 : [EN] - [ES] - [FR]

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - EEAS Statement of 21 January 2023 on the ongoing protests in the Peru - Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 15:36:11 GMT

Peru: Statement by the Spokesperson on the ongoing protests in the country

Violent clashes between protesters and police forces have continued in Peru over the last few days. The European Union deplores the very large number of casualties since the start of the protests.

Peaceful social protests respecting the rule of law are legitimate in a democratic society. The EU reiterates its condemnation of the widespread acts of violence as well as the disproportionate use of force by security forces.

We welcome the recent visit to Peru by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights to observe the human rights situation in the context of the current institutional crisis and social protests, and trust that the national institutions will investigate and bring to justice those responsible for abuses or violations of human rights. The ongoing social and political crises should be addressed in full respect of the constitutional order, the rule of law, and human rights.

The EU calls on the government and all political actors to take urgent steps to restore calm and ensure an inclusive dialogue with the participation of civil society and affected communities as the way out of the crisis. The EU is fully committed to support Peruvian efforts in this regard.

Full text of the EEAS Statement of 21 January 2023 (EN)

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - EEAS Statement of 19 December 2022 on the ongoing protests in Peru - Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 10:51:11 GMT

Peru: Statement by the Spokesperson on the ongoing protests

The European Union reaffirms the importance of ensuring Peru's political stability to address the ongoing social and political crises, in full respect of the constitutional order, the rule of law, and human rights. The EU supports the ongoing political efforts led by President Dina Boluarte.

The right of the Peruvian people to peaceful protest must be respected and protected.

The EU condemns any use of violence and any excessive use of force, and it is very concerned by reports that more than two dozen civilians have been killed so far, some of them by firearms, and many more injured during recent protests.

The EU calls on all political actors and civil society to work in a spirit of dialogue and cooperation to stop violence, reduce tensions and respond to the needs and aspirations of Peruvian citizens.

Full text of the EEAS Statement of 19 December 2022 (EN)

Source : © European Union, 2022 - EP

General documents - EEAS Statement of 8 December 2022 on the latest political developments in Peru - Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 10:51:06 GMT

Peru: Statement by the Spokesperson on latest political developments

The European Union welcomes the peaceful and democratic way in which Peru dealt with the recent domestic political developments.

The EU recalls that full respect of the Constitution, democratic principles and separation of powers, in a spirit of constructive institutional dialogue and cooperation, is crucial for the country to restore political stability and to respond to the needs and aspirations of Peruvian citizens.

The EU congratulates the new President Dina Boluarte, and reiterates its support to all efforts aimed at restoring dialogue and strengthening the rule of law and democratic institutions in Peru.

The EU looks forward to continuing the reinforcement of its good relations with Peru, and working with its authorities in areas where we have shared visions and common interests for the benefit of citizens on both sides.

Full text of the EEAS Press Statement of 8 December 2022 (EN)

General documents - Joint EP Press Statement of 8 December 2022 on the latest developments in Peru - Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 08:45:08 GMT

The Chair of the Delegation for Relations with the countries of the Andean Community, Pilar Del Castillo (EPP, Spain) and the Chair of the EP Foreign Affairs Committee, David McAllister (EPP, Germany), wish to express their total and unconditional support for the democratic institutionality and constitutional order, safeguarded thanks to the impeccable and responsible functioning and behaviour of the Peruvian authorities and all sectors of Peruvian society regarding the recent events in the Republic of Peru that led to the constitutional dismissal of President Pedro Castillo given his attempt to dissolve the Congress, to call elections for a Constituent Assembly and to decree a government of exception unilaterally.

They hope and wish that the new constitutional president Dina Boluarte has the support and collaboration of all political forces and citizens of the country to redirect, through political dialogue and within full respect of the separation and balance of powers, the crisis generated so that Peruvian democracy can emerge from this attack fully revitalised, strengthened, more united and consolidated in defence of democratic values to achieve the highest levels of welfare and development for its citizens.

The European Union and the Republic of Peru are preferential partners united through the links implied by the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement signed in 2003 and the Multi-Party Trade Agreement (Peru-EU FTA), in force since 2013, and built on a solid foundation of common and shared values such as commitment to respect for the rule of law, democratic principles, freedom of enterprise and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the fight against poverty. In this sense, they state that the new constitutionally appointed authorities and the citizens of Peru can count on the support and collaboration of the European Parliament to deepen the development of their already close relations for the benefit of Peruvian society.

For further information, please contact:

Office of Mr David McAllister, tel. +32 2 284 51 30, e-mail: david.mcallister@ep.europa.eu
Office of Ms Pilar del Castillo, tel. +32 2 284 59 82, e-mail: pilar.delcastillo@ep.europa.eu

Full text of the EP Press Statement of 8 December 2022

General documents - EP Press Release of 1 December 2022 on abolishing visas for citizens of Ecuador - Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 10:42:46 GMT

Eurodiputados apoyan suprimir los visados para los ciudadanos de Ecuador

Si se aprueba la iniciativa, los ecuatorianos podrán viajar a la UE sin visado por periodos de hasta 90 días
La comisión de Libertades del PE añade a Ecuador y Omán a la propuesta para liberalizar visados para Kuwait y Qatar
Kuwait sólo deberá beneficiarse de la medida si declara una moratoria de la pena de muerte

La comisión de Libertades del PE respaldó el jueves permitir a los ciudadanos de Ecuador, Kuwait, Qatar y Omán viajar a la UE sin visado para periodos de hasta 90 días.

El proyecto de informe, que salió adelante con 42 votos a favor y 16 en contra y que deberá ser aprobado por el pleno antes de iniciar negociaciones con el Consejo de la UE, pide eliminar la obligación de visados para estancias de corta duración para los nacionales de esos cuatro países.

En el caso de Kuwait, los eurodiputados recalcan que la medida sólo deberá aplicarse si el país deja de imponer condenas a muerte. También muestran preocupación por la situación de los derechos humanos y las libertades fundamentales tanto en Kuwait como en Qatar y Omán. Entre otras cuestiones, les inquieta la falta de respeto a los derechos de los trabajadores, las mujeres, las personas LGBTQ+, la libertad de culto, de expresión y de reunión, y los casos de tortura, así como las sentencias a pena de muerte.

Los eurodiputados aprovecharon la propuesta de la Comisión Europea para eximir de visado a kuwaitíes y cataríes para añadir a los nacionales de Ecuador y Omán, al considerar que ambos países cumplen los mismos criterios. Respecto a Ecuador, el proyecto de informe destaca su compromiso con el respecto de los derechos humanos, aunque indica que hacen falta todavía avances en las condiciones en las prisiones, los derechos de las mujeres y de las personas indígenas y los refugiados, entre otras cuestiones.

Text of the EP Press Release of 1 December 2022 (ES)

General documents - HRVP Statement of 14 October 2022 during signing ceremony with FM César Landa Arroyo - Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 14:50:11 GMT

Perú: Declaraciones del Alto Representante/Vicepresidente Josep Borrell durante la ceremonia de firma con el canciller César Landa Arroyo

¡Sólo es auténtico el texto pronunciado! Buenos días.

Su Excelencia, distinguidos invitados, damas y caballeros,

Es un placer para mi dar la bienvenida aquí en Bruselas al canciller Peruano, mi estimado amigo César [Landa Arroyo], después de casi un año de mi visita a Lima. Estábamos recordando ahora que el tiempo vuela y hará pronto un año que tuve el honor de ser recibido en Lima por el Presidente [de Perú, Pedro] Castillo.

Hoy firmamos dos acuerdos importantes. Dos acuerdos que van a dar un impulso adicional a una cooperación que ya es excelente y al diálogo político entre la Unión Europea y el Perú.

En efecto, Canciller, permítame resaltar que Perú es un socio clave. Es un país democrático que comparte nuestros valores, que defiende el multilateralismo, que tiene una economía abierta al comercio y a la inversión.

Nuestras relaciones son positivas, son intensas, pero creo que hay espacio para fortalecerlas todavía más. Su presencia aquí hoy es una manera de hacerlo. La firma de estos acuerdos es una manifestación concreta de esta voluntad compartida.

Partimos de una buena situación y estamos dispuestos a mejorarla.

[...]

Full text of the HRVP Statement of 14 October 2022 (ES)

General documents - Peru/EU Press Statement of 14 October 2022 on strengthening bilateral relations - Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 14:20:37 GMT

Peru/EU: Joint press release on opening a new chapter to strengthen their bilateral relations

Today, High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell and Foreign Minister of Peru César Landa signed in Brussels the Memorandum of Understanding on an Agenda of enhanced political and sectoral dialogue and cooperation for the next decade, and the EU-Peru Framework Participation Agreement for the participation of Peru in European Union crisis management operations. Both documents highlight our intention to strengthen EU-Peru longstanding relations.

High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell said: "Peru is a key like-minded partner of the European Union. Today, we strengthen and modernise the framework of our bilateral relationship, where we open new chapters of regular dialogues on we are committed to continue working together to tackle global challenges such as the fight against key metadata such as, the green transition, cybersecurity or illicit drug trafficking.. With the Framework Participation Agreement, Peru will be able to participate in EU crisis management missions and operations".
[...]

Full text of the Peru/EU Press Statement of 14 October 2022 (EN)
Texto completo del comunicado de prensa Perú/UE del 14 de octubre de 2022 (ES)

General documents - Mission of the DAND delegation to Colombia - Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 10:37:12 GMT

From 21 to 23 February 2022, the Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community (DAND) went on a mission to Bogotá (Colombia).

Mission Report of the DAND Mission to Colombia (February 2022) : [EN] - [ES] - [FR]

General documents - DAND meeting of 3 February 2022 - Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 16:30:58 GMT

This meeting of the Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community (DAND) took place on 3 February 2022 and included the preparation of the DAND visit to Colombia taking place from 21 to 23 February 2022 (week 8) as well as an exchange of views on the political, economic and social situation in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.

Documents of the meeting of 3 February 2022
Webstreaming of the meeting of 3 February 2022
Minutes of the meeting of 3 February 2022 : [EN] - [ES] - [FR]

General documents - Joint statement from the Presidents of the Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community (DAND) and the President of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) - Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 14:58:33 GMT

4 July 2022

The Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament, David McAllister and the Chair of the Delegation for relations with countries from the Andean Community of the European Parliament, Pilar Del Castillo, congratulate the government of Ecuador and the indigenous communities for having reached an agreement.

In the face of the complex political and social situation that the Republic of Ecuador is experiencing, we would like to express our most firm support for dialogue and negotiations as the means to resolve conflicts. In this regard, we believe that the process launched by the democratically-elected government of the President of the Republic, Guillermo Lasso, in conjunction with the representatives of the Confederation of the Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE), and the arbitrage of the Catholic Church, has been the adequate channel to bring to an end the severe violent events that took place in recent days and to restore social peace.

The shared values of freedom, the respect for democratic principles, the prevalence of the rule of law and the respect for fundamental human rights, including respect for minorities, which guide both the Republic of Ecuador and the European Union, must continue to be the guiding element that inspires and guarantees political stability and peaceful coexistence.

In a democracy, free elections constitute the only method to create governments. The legitimate right to demonstration and protest cannot justify by any means vandalistic and violent actions and much less the attempts of democratic destabilisation like the ones that have occurred.

General documents - Statement by the Spokesperson on 19 June 2022 sentencing former interim Pres. J.Áñez - Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 08:39:22 GMT

Bolivia: Statement by the Spokesperson on sentencing former interim President J.Áñez

On 11 June, former interim President of Bolivia Jeannine Áñez was convicted in first instance to ten years imprisonment in the so-called "Golpe de Estado II" case.

According to the preliminary observations by the mission of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Bolivia, the proceedings did not fully respect the due process rights of Mrs Áñez. The OHCHR pointed out that the criminal definition of "failure to fulfil duties", a crime for which Áñez was convicted, was excessively broad and ambiguous. There were also problems with the excessive and not exceptional use of preventive detention, the access to witness evidence and the virtual and hybrid format of the hearings. The OHCHR indicated that holding trials in absentia should be avoided, and that the participation of numerous prosecuting parties had affected the procedural balance.

These findings are symptomatic of structural deficiencies in the Bolivian justice system, as reported by the UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, Diego García-Sayán, in May 2022, as well as by the Interdisciplinary Group of Independent Experts, whose recommendations the government committed to implement.
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Full text of the EEAS Statement of 19 June 2022 (EN)

General documents - EEAS Statement of 1 June 2022 on High Level Dialogue with the EU held in La Paz - Delegation for relations with the countries of the Andean Community

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 08:39:19 GMT

Bolivia: High Level Dialogue with the EU held in La Paz

The 8th High Level Dialogue between Bolivia and the European Union took place in La Paz yesterday.

This Dialogue was part of a series of regular meetings held until 2018, resumed today, to review the general state of relations between Bolivia and the European Union. The meeting addressed diplomatic issues of bilateral interest, development cooperation and pressing issues on the international scene.

The European Union reaffirmed its interest in continuing to cooperate in support of activities related to the environment, climate change, governance and human rights. Under the new Multiannual Indicative Programme (period 2021-2024 with an allocation of €104 million), the EU aims to assist recovery and sustainable economic development, with a focus on working with women and youth, and to promote fundamental rights, democracy, reconciliation, the rule of law and to contribute to peace and security, for the benefit of the Bolivian people.

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Full text of the EEAS Statement of 1 June 2022 (EN)