The region also plays a key role as regards diversifying global supply chains for critical raw materials and combating climate change. The Caribbean is particularly interested in strengthening trade and economic relations. Germany is committed to deepening its partnership with the region.

Together, the countries of Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean make up more than a third of the United Nations’ Member States. Solutions to global challenges must be sought together and in multilateral forums. To this end, the EU has agreed a Strategic Partnership with Latin America and the Caribbean that covers all of the countries in the EU, Latin America and the Caribbean, and thus more than a billion people in total. This Partnership was established in June 1999 at the inaugural EU‑LAC Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The two regions cooperate closely in the spheres of politics, business, culture, and science and technology on the basis of their Strategic Partnership. As well as summits bringing together the Heads of State and Government, regular meetings between ministers and senior officials serve as a forum for political dialogue on important global issues and as a catalyst for shaping concrete elements of relations between the regions, such as association or partnership agreements and development cooperation policy.

Association and partnership agreements with individual regional groups or countries are an essential component of EU relations with Latin America. These partnerships enhance mutual economic ties, largely dismantle tariffs and trade barriers, and generate new momentum for employment and investment on both sides of the Atlantic. The agreements are accompanied by ambitious commitments to environmental protection, ensuring minimum labour standards, and safeguarding democracy and the rule of law.

The Federal Foreign Office’s Latin America and Caribbean initiative

The Federal Foreign Office’s Latin America and Caribbean initiative, which was set up in 2019, strengthens cooperation between Germany and the region by helping governments, institutions and civil society to foster democracy, the rule of law and gender equality. At the same time, the initiative creates space for dialogue on policy and specialised matters. It also coordinates the Unidas Women’s Network, which promotes dialogue between Latin America, the Caribbean and Germany on women’s rights and female empowerment in trade, politics and society.

Support for the rule of law is primarily provided by further training for members of the judiciary on gender-based violence in order to enhance investigative and trial procedures and increase equal access to justice. Further training is also provided on combating corruption and money-laundering.