DCAM - European Parliament

General documents - EP Press Release of 15 June 2023 on sanctioning Daniel Ortega and his circle - Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 12:20:53 GMT

Nicaragua: el PE pide sancionar a Daniel Ortega, su círculo, jueces y fiscales

El Parlamento Europeo volvió a condenar el jueves las violaciones sistemáticas y deliberadas de los derechos humanos en Nicaragua, que constituyen crímenes contra la humanidad.

En una resolución aprobada a mano alzada, la Eurocámara subraya que las violaciones de los derechos humanos y los abusos perpetrados desde abril de 2018 en Nicaragua no son un fenómeno aislado, sino que buscan «desmantelar la separación de poderes y las garantías democráticas y concentrar todo el poder en las figuras del presidente y la vicepresidenta» del país.

Se trata de la séptima resolución en esta legislatura en que el Parlamento denuncia la deriva totalitaria del régimen liderado por Daniel Ortega y Rosario Murillo.

Los eurodiputados lamentan la continua instrumentalización del sistema judicial y la complicidad de los jueces con el régimen. Piden por eso que la lista de sancionados por la Unión Europea se amplíe a jueces y fiscales, además de al propio presidente Ortega y su círculo más cercano.

[...]

Full text of the EP Press Release of 15 June 2023 (in Spanish)

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - HRVP at the EP Plenary speech of 13 June 2023 on the situation in Nicaragua - Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America - Delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 10:59:54 GMT

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

Mr President, Honourable Members of the European Parliament,

This is the seventh debate on Nicaragua since the end of 2019. It shows the importance that the European Parliament gives to the situation in Nicaragua - and rightly so.

So, allow me to thank you for this continued and strong interest, and to reiterate that I fully share your concerns regarding the continuous deterioration [of the] human rights situation in this country. You know that the European Union's position has been clear and consistent in its strong condemnation of the systemic repression that the people of Nicaragua is suffering.

We have repeatedly been calling for the liberation of all political prisoners, for the return to the rule of law, for the return of international human rights organisations in the country, and for the dialogue between the regime and the opposition.

This is a long story. We first introduced sanctions in October 2019. I was still not there, I was at the time Minister of Foreign Affairs in Spain, paying the same attention to the Nicaragua situation that you were here in Brussels and Strasbourg.

[...]

Full text of the HRVP Speech of 13 June 2023

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - HRVP Declaration of 26 May 2023 after the EU-Cuba Joint Council - Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America

Tue, 30 May 2023 10:18:16 GMT

Cuba: Declaraciones del Alto representante/vicepresidente Josep Borrell ante la prensa después del Consejo Conjunto UE-Cuba

Querida viceministra,

Esta mañana he copresidido, con el viceprimer ministro y ministro de Comercio Exterior [e Inversiones de Cuba], señor [Ricardo] Cabrisas, y con usted, viceministra [de Relaciones Exteriores de Cuba] Anayansi Rodríguez [Camejo], el tercer Consejo Conjunto entre Cuba y la Unión Europea.

Permítanme recordar que primero lo celebró la señora [Federica] Mogherini, mi antecesora en este cargo.

Me alegra mucho que esta vez hayamos podido celebrarlo en persona, puesto que nuestro último Consejo [Conjunto] en enero de 2021 lo tuvimos que celebrar a través de videoconferencia debido a las restricciones que nos imponía entonces la pandemia del COVID-19.

Esta es una reunión en la que he estado acompañado por los embajadores de los 17 Estados miembros [de la Unión Europea] que tienen una representación permanente en La Habana, quienes han asistido al Consejo Conjunto en calidad de observadores. Quiero agradecerles su presencia y también la labor que hacen las embajadas de nuestros Estados miembros creando lazos con la ciudadanía cubana y promoviendo los valores y los principios europeos en la isla.

Señora viceministra, señoras y señores embajadores, todos sabemos que este Consejo Conjunto es el foro ministerial que dirige la aplicación del Acuerdo de Diálogo Político y de Cooperación - fíjense bien en los objetivos: dialogar políticamente y cooperar entre Cuba y la Unión Europa -, que ya tiene años puesto que fue firmado en el 2016 y se encuentra en aplicación provisional desde 2017.

Durante este tiempo, hemos avanzado, hemos discrepado, hemos discutido, pero hemos mantenido el diálogo y la cooperación.

[...]

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

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - EEAS Statement of 23 May 2023 on the upcoming visit of the HRVP to Cuba - Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America

Wed, 24 May 2023 11:50:42 GMT

Cuba: HR/VP Josep Borrell in Havana on 25-27 May

High Representative/Vice President Josep Borrell will travel to Cuba on 25-27 May to represent the EU at the third Joint Council, co-chaired on the Cuban side by Cuban Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez. The Joint Council, established by the EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA), meets regularly since 2018. The PDCA enshrines the EU's policy approach of critical but constructive engagement towards Cuba.

The visit will be an opportunity to take stock of the bilateral relationship, and also to discuss regional and global issues.

During his stay, HR/VP Borrell will meet with the Cuban authorities, Cuban businesspeople, and a range of voices from Cuban society sharing their perspectives on Cuba's challenges and opportunities, as well as the EU business community and EU Member States present in the country. He will also visit EU-funded development cooperation projects.

The visit is also part of EU outreach to Latin American and Caribbean countries in the run-up to the upcoming EU-CELAC Summit to take place in Brussels on 17-18 July.

The EU is Cuba's most important trade, investment and cooperation partner. The EU continues to support projects in areas including agriculture, energy, ecological transition, economic modernisation and support of the incipient private sector to ultimately help improve the lives of Cuban people.

Full text of the EEAS Statement of 23 May 2023 (EN)

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - DCAM Mission to the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica from 15-19 May 2023 - Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America

Mon, 22 May 2023 08:19:02 GMT

From 15 to 19 May, the Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America (DCAM) went on a mission to the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica.

Members met with representatives of the executive and the legislative, as well as with civil society organisations and social partners. Main topics of the visit included the political situation in the region, migration, economic and social development, climate change and fight against organised crime.

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Latest news - DCAM Mission to the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica from 15-19 May 2023 - Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America

Mon, 22 May 2023 08:18:51 GMT

From 15 to 19 May, the Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America (DCAM) went on a mission to the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica.

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - EEAS Statement of 21 May 2023 on the suspension of electoral candidates in Guatemala - Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America

Mon, 22 May 2023 07:48:58 GMT

Guatemala: Statement by the Spokesperson on the suspension of electoral candidates

In the run-up to the general elections, scheduled to take place in Guatemala on 25 June, the European Union notes with concern repeated decisions on exclusion of electoral candidacies.

The EU reiterates its call on the Guatemalan authorities to ensure that candidate registrations are not obstructed and any dispute raised is promptly processed in full transparency, impartiality and in compliance with the Guatemalan Constitution, in order to offer citizens a genuine choice on the Election Day and ensure respect for the right to stand as a candidate. This is fundamental to guarantee the integrity, inclusiveness and competitiveness of the electoral process, which the EU Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) hopes to witness.

The EU has decided to deploy this mission in response to an invitation by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) and as part of the EU's commitment to continue its support for democracy and the rule of law in Guatemala. The EOM will independently observe and carry out an assessment of the entire electoral process in the light of the international and regional standards Guatemala has subscribed to.

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

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - EEAS Statement of 28 April 2023 on the EU deploying an Election Observation Mission - Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America

Tue, 02 May 2023 09:46:37 GMT

Guatemala: European Union deploys an Election Observation Mission

In response to an invitation by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), the European Union has decided to deploy an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) for the upcoming general elections scheduled in Guatemala for 25 June and 20 August.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell has appointed Mr Jordi Cañas Pérez, Member of the European Parliament, as Chief Observer for this mission.

High Representative Josep Borrell stated: "The decision to deploy an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to the general elections in Guatemala shows our commitment to support democracy and the rule of law. This first EU EOM in Guatemala since 2007 is an important way to engage and promote the holding of inclusive and transparent elections. Under the leadership of Chief Observer Cañas, the EU EOM will observe and assess the entire electoral process in the light of the international and regional standards Guatemala has subscribed to. Therefore, it will contribute to enhancing citizens' trust in the process and to further strengthening Guatemala's democratic institutions."

The Chief Observer, Mr Cañas declared: "Democracy requires more than elections, but a country cannot be a democracy without holding genuine elections. That is why I feel honored to head an EU EOM to Guatemala. Credible, transparent and inclusive elections are a cornerstone of democracy and play a critical role to promote a peaceful and democratic path towards greater stability and prosperity. That is what we intend to foster in Guatemala on the basis of an impartial and objective assessment of the election process. After the elections, we hope to continue working with the Guatemalan authorities to encourage the implementation of the observation mission's recommendations".

[...]

Full text of the EEAS Statement of 28 April 2023 (EN)

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - EEAS Statement of 18 April 2023 on 5th anniversary of protests in Nicaragua - Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 15:01:25 GMT

Nicaragua: Statement by the Spokesperson on the 5th anniversary of the nationwide protests

Five years have passed since thousands of Nicaraguan citizens took to the streets to voice their legitimate demand for human rights, in particular civil and political rights, and for the return of democracy. Instead of having their demands heard and respected, the people of Nicaragua faced systemic repression ever since.

The European Union has consistently condemned this repression, repeatedly calling for the liberation of all political prisoners, the full return to the rule of law as well as the return of international human rights organisations to the country. Moreover, the EU has regularly encouraged the Nicaraguan government to engage in a genuine and inclusive dialogue with the Nicaraguan people about their legitimate demands.

On this sad anniversary, the EU confirms its readiness to support all efforts aimed at a democratic, peaceful and negotiated solution to the protracted political crisis in Nicaragua.

Full text of the EEAS Statement of 18 April 2023 (EN)

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - EEAS Press Statement of 28 March 2023 on conclusion of visit to Dominican Republic - Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 15:22:40 GMT

HR/VP Josep Borrell concludes visit to Dominican Republic

HR/VP Josep Borrell was in the Dominican Republic from 24-27 March where he attended the EU the XXVIII Ibero-American Summit in Santo Domingo, on behalf of the EU.

At the summit, HR/VP Borrell addressed regional leaders, encouraging greater cooperation and intensified political dialogue between the European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean, in particular in the areas of the digital, green and just transitions, economic, trade and sustainable development as well as boosting cooperation in the areas of energy and security. He also highlighted the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a threat to the global multilateral order which is having a negative effect not only in Europe but also in the Latin American and Caribbean region in areas such as energy costs and supply chains. The vast majority of Latin America and Caribbean countries remain staunch supporters of international law and have condemned the Russian aggression and invasion of Ukraine. HR/VP emphasised the strong ties between the two continents, forged by a joint history, deep cultural and family links and a common future.

The HR/VP stressed the importance of 2023 as year to relaunch EU - LAC relations, inviting leaders to attend the EU-CELAC Summit in Brussels in July 2023, the first to take place since 2015. HR/VP outlined that the EU and the region should not only be natural partners, but partners of choice who engage in dialogue and consult on the basis of shared interests.

[...]

Full text of the EEAS Press Statement of 28 March 2023 (EN)

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - HRVP speech of 27 March 2023 after his meeting with Dom. Rep. President Luis Abinader - Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 10:15:45 GMT

República Dominicana: Declaraciones del Alto Representante/Vicepresidente Josep Borrell tras su encuentro con el Presidente Luis Abinader

Muchas gracias, Presidente [de la República Dominicana, Luis Abinader]. Muchas gracias.

Quiero agradecer muy efusivamente el tiempo que me ha dedicado el Presidente de la República Dominicana después de la Cumbre [Iberoamericana] que se celebró ayer y que ha marcado una vez más el papel que tiene este país como puente entre América Latina, el Caribe y Europa.

Su país, Presidente, es ya definitivamente un polo de estabilidad política y de progreso económico. Y para nosotros, es un anclaje muy fuerte de nuestra cooperación con el Subcontinente iberoamericano y con el Caribe - con el Caribe, en particular. Ustedes están en el Caribe, pero son algo más que eso. Son un buen polo para el conjunto de América Latina.

La Cumbre [UE-CELAC] que tendrá lugar en este julio en Bruselas será otro anclaje. Y mientras tanto seguimos cooperando.

Me complace comunicar que vamos a lanzar un nuevo programa de cooperación con ustedes, dotado con 13 millones de euros para fomentar una economía inclusiva, que avance la transformación climática [y] ayudarles a pasar todas las exigencias para aumentar sus exportaciones agrícolas desde el punto de vista de los controles de los pesticidas.

[Quiero] señalar que sus exportaciones a Europa se han más que duplicado desde nuestro acuerdo comercial [y] que tienen un ritmo de crecimiento muy elevado.

[...]

Full text of the HRVP Speech of 27 March 2023 (only in Spanish)

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - DCAM Mission from 31 October to 4 November 2022 to Honduras and Guatemala - Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 16:43:58 GMT

The Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America visited to the two countries of Honduras and Guatemala on their mission from 31 October to 4 November 2022.

Mission Report of the DCAM Delegation mission to Honduras and Guatemala (October/November 2022) : [EN] - [ES] - [FR]

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - DCAM Meeting of 2 March 2023 - Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 17:02:17 GMT

The meeting of the Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America (DCAM) took place on 2 March 2023 and included the following items:

Presentation of the mission report of the DCAM Mission to Honduras and Guatemala (31 October - 4 November 2022)
Exchange of views on the security situation in Central America
Exchange of views on the situation of the Nicaraguan political prisoners after their expulsion to the USA

Meeting documents of 2 March 2023
Webstreaming of the Meeting of 2 March 2023

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

Latest news - DCAM Meeting of 2 March 2023 - Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 17:01:44 GMT

The meeting of the Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America (DCAM) took place on 2 March 2023 and included the following items:

Presentation of the mission report of the DCAM Mission to Honduras and Guatemala (31 October - 4 November 2022)
Exchange of views on the security situation in Central America
Exchange of views on the situation of the Nicaraguan political prisoners after their expulsion to the USA

Meeting documents of 2 March 2023
Webstreaming of the meeting of 2 March 2023

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - DCAM Meeting (in AFET) on 23 January 2023 on the situation in Nicaragua - Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 16:58:25 GMT

The Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America (DCAM) had been associated to an exchange of views which took place within the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) on 23 January 2023:

Exchange of views with Jonathan Hatwell, Head of Division for Mexico, Central America and Caribbean at the EEAS on the situation in Nicaragua

Meeting documents of 23 January 2023
Webstreaming of the meeting of 23 January 2023

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - DCAM Meeting of 17 November 2022 - Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 16:58:03 GMT

The meeting of the Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America (DCAM) took place on 17 November and included

Exchange of views on the final report "Ex-post evaluation of the implementation of part IV of the Association Agreement (Trade Pillar) between the EU and its Member States and Central America"

Exchange of views on working conditions of Cuba's international healthcare personnel working on missions abroad.

Meeting documents of 17 November 2022
Webstreaming of the meeting of 17 November 2022
Minutes of the meeting of 17 November 2022 : [EN] - [ES] - [FR]

Source : © European Union, 2023 - EP

General documents - DCAM Meeting of 19 October 2022 - Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 16:57:31 GMT

The Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America (DCAM) met on 19 October 2019 in Strasbourg in order to discuss the outgoing DCAM Mission to Honduras and Guatemala foreseen from 31 October - 4 November 2022.

Minutes of the meeting of 19 October 2022 : [EN] - [ES] - [FR]

General documents - DCAM Meeting (in DROI) of 5 September 2022 on human rights situation in Guatemala - Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 16:57:17 GMT

The Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America (DCAM) had been associated to the Public Hearing on human rights violations by mining companies in Guatemala taking place in the Subcommittee on Human Rights on 5 September 2022.

Meeting documents of 5 September 2022
Webstreaming of the meeting on 5 September 2022

General documents - DCAM Meeting of 16 June 2022 - Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 16:57:01 GMT

The meeting of the Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America (DCAM) of 16 June 2022 included an

Exchange of views with the Pro tempore SICA Presidency of Panama

Exchange of views on the "Alliance for Development in Democracy"

Exchange of views on the joint Mexico-U.S. plan to contain Central America migration.

Meeting documents of 16 June 2022
Webstreaming of the meeting of 16 June 2022
Minutes of the meeting of 16 June 2022 : [EN] - [ES] - [FR]

General documents - DCAM Meeting (in DROI) of 16 May 2022 on recent developments on HR in Guatemala - Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 16:56:45 GMT

The Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America (DCAM) had been associated to an exchange of views which took place within the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) on 16 May 2022:

Exchange of views with Augusto Jordan Rodas Andrade, Procurador de los Derechos Humanos de Guatemala, on the recent developments in the field of human rights and the rule of law in the context of the European Parliament urgency resolution on the matter adopted on 7 April 2022

Meeting documents of 16 May 2022
Webstreaming of the DROI Meeting on 16 May 2022

General documents - DCAM Meeting of 31 March 2022 - Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 16:56:19 GMT

The meeting of the Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America (DCAM) of 31 March 2022 included

Exchange of views on the situation of the rule of law and human rights in Guatemala

Presentation on the the activities of the UN World Food Programme (WFP) in Central America and the Caribbean.

Meeting documents of 31 March 2022
Webstreaming of the meeting of 31 March 2022
Minutes of the Meeting of 31 March 2022 : [EN] - [ES] - [FR]

General documents - DCAM Meeting of 24 January 2022 - Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 16:55:23 GMT

The meeting of the Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America (DCAM) of 24 January 2022 included

Exchange of views on the result of the elections in Honduras on 28 November 2021

Exchange of views on the legal opinion for a Joint Parliamentary Committee.

Meeting documents of 24 January 2022
Webstreaming of the meeting of 24 January 2022
Minutes of the meeting of 24 January 2022 : [EN] - [ES] - [FR]

General documents - EEAS Statement of 16 February 2023 - revoking Nicaraguan citizenship of pol opponents - Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 11:17:29 GMT

Nicaragua: Statement by the Spokesperson on revoking citizenship of political opponents

After releasing and deporting 222 political prisoners to the US last week and stripping them of the Nicaraguan citizenship, the Nicaraguan authorities announced this Wednesday that they were revoking the citizenship of a further 94 dissidents, and confiscating their property.

This constitutes a violation of their fundamental rights and is a breach of international law. Article 15 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights protects everyone's right to a nationality and prohibits its arbitrary deprivation.

Such actions are unjustifiable, and risk deepening Nicaragua's international isolation. The EU calls on the Nicaraguan authorities to immediately reverse these steps, and to cease persecution and reprisals against dissidents and human rights defenders.

The EU reaffirms its continued commitment to the Nicaraguan people and to defending democracy, the rule of law and human rights in the country. Differences of opinion and political dissent should never serve as a pretext for the violation of fundamental rights and international law.

Full text of the EEAS Statement of 16 February 2023 (EN)

General documents - EEAS Statement of 10 February 2023 on the release of political prisoners in Nicaragua - Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 09:13:57 GMT

Nicaragua: Statement by the Spokesperson on the release of political prisoners

On 9 February, the Nicaraguan authorities released and deported 222 political prisoners, including three EU nationals, to the US. The EU has consistently called, by all means available, for their release. Although they should not have spent one single day in prison, today the EU expresses satisfaction and relief.

The EU also welcomes the role of the US administration in facilitating the safe journey and entry into the United States of the former prisoners, as well as the provision of related emergency support.

While the EU rejects the decision to strip the former prisoners of their Nicaraguan citizenship and of their civil and political rights, which is a violation of their fundamental rights and international law, their release is a positive and long-awaited step that should be followed by dialogue and further actions.

The EU remains open to the political dialogue with Nicaragua, through the appropriate diplomatic channels, and conducted in a respectful manner.

Full text of the EEAS Statement of 10 February 2023 (EN)

General documents - DCAM Meeting of 11 November 2021 - Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 10:49:15 GMT

At the meeting of the Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America (DCAM) of 11 November 2021, the following items were discussed:

Exchange of views on the result of the elections in Nicaragua on 7 November 2021
Exchange of views on the result of the Follow-up Mission to the Elections Observation Mission to El Salvador (24-28 October 2021)

Exchange of views on the upcoming elections in Honduras on 28 November 2021 (in camera)

Documents of the meeting of 11 November 2021
Webstreaming of the meeting of 11 November 2021
Minutes of the meeting of 11 November 2021 : [EN] - [ES] - [FR]