dw.com
EU's New Approach to Latin America: Concerns and Changes
Analysis of the new European Commission's approach to Latin America, focusing on concerns about the prioritization of gender equality and sustainable development within geopolitical shifts.
Spanish
Germany
International RelationsGermany GeopoliticsEuropean UnionLatin AmericaDevelopmentEuropean Politics
European UnionOxfam InternationalParliament EuropeanCelacMercosur
Hadja LahbibUdo BullmannMaroš ŠefčovicKaja KallasJosep Borrell
- How will the EU measure the impact of its investments under the new approach?
- The new focus will include an "inequality indicator" to measure the impact of projects on the most vulnerable 40% of the population, though this might still be seen as insufficient by some. There are debates on including additional indicators to assess environmental and corruption impacts, but this is considered impractical.
- What is the EU's Global Gateway initiative, and what are the criticisms surrounding it?
- The EU's Global Gateway initiative aims to counter other investments in Latin America, focusing on infrastructure projects promoting green transition. Critics question its commitment to sustainable development goals and its potential for exacerbating inequality, despite the introduction of an inequality indicator.
- What are the main changes in the EU's approach to Latin America under the new commissioners?
- The new European commissioners bring a merger of the Humanitarian Aid and Equality portfolios, raising concerns about prioritizing gender equality. The new trade commissioner will focus on the Mercosur agreement, while the foreign policy chief will prioritize Russia and Ukraine, potentially shifting focus from Latin America.
- What are the concerns raised by civil society regarding the merger of the Humanitarian Aid and Equality portfolios?
- Civil society groups express worry that merging the portfolios will diminish the importance of gender equality in EU policy. Concerns exist that the EU's focus on other geopolitical issues will overshadow its engagement with Latin America, potentially reducing its support for crucial initiatives.
- What are the overall concerns and potential risks related to the EU's new direction in its relationship with Latin America?
- While the EU continues to mention sustainable development and gender equality, concerns remain that their emphasis may diminish amidst competing geopolitical priorities. There's a warning against a neocolonial approach that prioritizes resource extraction without addressing local needs.