Advertisment

Ernesto Samper Calls for Genuine Integration Between Europe and Latin America at Puebla Group Dialogue

author-image
María Alejandra Trujillo
New Update
Former President Ernesto Samper<br>Image Credit: Wikipedia
During a meeting between the Puebla Group and the Socialist Group of the European Parliament, Ernesto Samper expressed his skepticism about the talks, citing the European Union's historical disinterest in matters of regional integration and cooperation. In his address, he posed three thought-provoking questions aimed at unlocking the potential for genuine integration between Europe and Latin America, emphasizing its significance for their region.
Advertisment
Former Secretary of Unasur, Ernesto Samper, called upon the European Union to engage in self-evaluation during his address at the European Parliament. He pointed out that the EU currently stands as the most protectionist region globally, exemplified by over 1,200 trade restrictions imposed on Latin American countries. Samper's first question to the parliament was whether they would be open to discussing the reduction of tariffs and limitations.

Ernesto Samper Highlights Devastating Impact of EU's Health Protectionism on Latin America

Furthermore, in his speech, he urged for introspection, highlighting the devastating impact of Covid-19 in Latin America due to what he referred to as the EU's health protectionism.
Advertisment
During the course of the dialogue, the Colombian former president raised a crucial question to the parliamentarians regarding the issue of migration, which holds great significance in the region's development. He highlighted the mobility of goods, services, and information promoted by globalization but inquired about the free mobility of people. Samper pointed out that Latin Americans residing in Europe often face ridicule, stigmatization, and criminalization when advocating for their right to work. He posed the question of whether it would be feasible to establish an agreement with the EU to facilitate the dignified treatment and improved mobility of these individuals.

Former President Invites EU Support for Human Rights and Peace Process in Colombia

In his concluding remarks, the former Colombian president extended an invitation to the European Union to lend its support to his country on crucial matters such as human rights, and gender equality. He specifically addressed the lack of support in the Peace Process, which he deemed as the most significant political undertaking in Latin America in recent years. Samper emphasized the need for a steadfast commitment to peace, emphasizing his ongoing dedication to advocating for political resolutions to armed conflicts.
The primary initiative put forth by the current government in Colombia, led by President Gustavo Petro, is the strategy known as 'total peace’, based on negotiating with illegal groups in the country in exchange for reduced benefits or reduced sentences.
peaceprocess RegionalCooperation COVID19Impact socialjustice GenderEquality TradeRelations TotalPeace EUIntegration tariffreduction RegionalDevelopment OpenDialogue GlobalPartnership ColombianPeace EUAssistance ProtectionistPolicies LatinAmericaEURelations HealthProtectionism MobilityOfPeople MigrationRights DignifiedTreatment EUHumanRightsSupport SupportForColombia PoliticalResolutions IntegrationForPeace EUTradeRestrictions ColombiaEURelations AdvancingPeace
Advertisment
Advertisment