S&D Latin America Days

The S&D Latin America Days aimed to foster cooperation between progressive forces in Latin America and Europe by providing platforms for dialogue on shared values and interests. The goal was to advance a common social, democratic, and environmental agenda while working together to address global challenges.

The urgent climate crisis, the current shift in the geopolitical dynamics, and the renewed focus on clean industrialisation and economic security presented a critical opportunity for the two regions to redesign their relationship. It was the ideal moment for Latin America and Europe to advance our shared model of partnerships: a strong and forward-looking relationship that generates added value on both sides. Together, both regions are uniquely positioned to defend the need for stronger international cooperation and trade relations grounded in mutual benefit, fairness, and shared ownership, and focused on sustainable development, social and environmental protection. The forthcoming EU-CELAC Summit represented a crucial occasion for this new approach. 

This FEPS-led fringe session, co-organised with the S&D Group, FES EU Office, and Solidar, examined how deeper EU-LAC cooperation in trade and development can drive sustainable growth, advance digital and green transitions, and contribute to building more resilient, fair, and inclusive economies across both regions.

The event was divided into two panel discussions:

Panel 1 (09:40-10:40) – Shaping the Future of EU-LAC Partnerships: Opportunities and Common Priorities

Speakers:

• Luis Blandón, President, UNAMOS
• Martín Clavijo, Executive Director, Uruguayan Agency for International Cooperation
• Hana Jalloul, MEP S&D Group, Vice-Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs

Panel 2 (10:50-11:50) – A new EU-LAC Cooperation for Trade & Sustainable Development

Speakers:

• Elena Crasta, Senior Advisor on External Relations and Latin America, ETUC
• Marita González, Member of International Relations Secretary, CGT Argentina (General Confederation of Labour); Coordinator of the Mercosur Economic and Social Consultative Forum, Argentina
• Aloizio Mercadante, President, Brazilian Development Bank
• Kathleen Van Brempt, MEP S&D Group, S&D Vice-President and Vice-Chair of the Committee on International Trade

Both panels were moderated by Barbara Caracciolo, International Cooperation & Sustainable Development Coordinator, Solidar.

Interpretation was provided in EN, ES, PT, DE, FR, and IT.

GUIDING QUESTIONS

• What common priorities should define the next phase of EU-LAC strategic partnerships in trade and development? (Panel 1)
• What are the most significant opportunities and benefits of deepening EU-LAC trade and development partnerships? (Panel 1)
• How can both regions ensure that trade agreements foster inclusive growth and align with sustainable development goals (SDGs)? (Panel 2)
• In what ways can EU-LAC cooperation contribute to a fairer and more rules-based global trade system? (Panel 2)

For more details regarding the event, please contact Thainá Leite, Project Management Coordinator (thaina.leite@feps-europe.eu).