The summer course begins: “Latin America and the European Union, partners in a changing world: a new stage in EU-CELAC relations”

The Carolina Foundation and the Menéndez Pelayo International University inaugurate

A space to analyze the extensive transformations that the international system is experiencing at the economic, political and social level; the impact of critical situations, such as those represented by the Covid-19 pandemic or the war in Ukraine; development and international cooperation agendas and strategies.

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The summer course started today: “Latin America and the European Union, partners in a changing world: a new stage in EU-CELAC relations.” Organized by the Carolina Foundation within the framework of the summer courses that the Menéndez Pelayo International University (UIMP) schedules each year, it is sponsored by the Government of Cantabria and supported by the European External Action Service (EEAS). It will take place at the Palacio de la Magdalena, until Friday, July 28.

 

The course is run by Jose Antonio Sanahuja, director of the Carolina Foundation, and Paz Diaz Nieto, coordinator of the European Projects Office of Cantabria, and takes place only a few days after the Summit between the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), which was held in Brussels last July 17 and 18. Its main objective is to promote a high-level dialogue to take stock of that meeting, assess the agreements reached and reflect on the “roadmap” that opens from the Summit. 

Likewise, the course is conceived as a space to analyze the extensive transformations that the international system at the economic, political and social level; the impact of critical situations, such as those represented by the Covid-19 pandemic or the war of Ukraine; development and international cooperation agendas and strategies; and, at the level of regions and territories, the challenge of the “triple transition”.

 

During the course, a high-level political dialogue will be held, in which Antonia Urrejola, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Chile, Josep Borrell, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, will participate. and Luis Guillermo Solís. Former President of Costa Rica

The opening ceremony began with a welcome address from the Rector of the UIMP, Carlos Andradas, who emphasized the importance for the UIMP of hosting this course and encouraged attendees to use the week "to discuss topics together." He also highlighted the value of these summer courses as "a space for intergenerational and multidisciplinary interaction." Paz Díaz Nieto, co-director of the course, underscored its importance and relevance, and encouraged participants to take full advantage of the high caliber of the speakers.

 

Next, the professor of International Relations and director of the Carolina Foundation, José Antonio Sanahuja, highlighted during his speech the framework in which this course is being developed, which “is being held in a special year, since we have recently had the EU-CELAC summit, and we are facing the Spanish presidency of the Council of the EU.” He pointed out that “the EU and Latin America and the Caribbean are called to understand each other and cooperate. Not cooperating is not an option.”

 

Finally, the director for the Americas of the European External Action Service, Javier Niño, highlighted the relaunch of bi-regional relations after the EU-CELAC summit: “A year ago we were with J. Borrell anticipating what this year would be like. We agreed to try to give it as much enhancement as possible. “This has been an iconic year to relaunch relations between the two regions.”

 

A high-level political dialogue entitled "Latin America and the Caribbean and the EU: A Renewed Alliance" is scheduled for Thursday. Participants will include Carlos Andradas, Rector of the UIMP (International University Menéndez Pelayo); Josep Borrell, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission; Antonia Urrejola, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Chile; and Luis Guillermo Solís, former President of Costa Rica. They will discuss "Latin America and the Caribbean and the EU: A Renewed Alliance." The dialogue will be moderated by José Antonio Sanahuja, Professor of International Relations and Director of the Carolina Foundation.

 

The course will be taught in person during July 24 – 28 at the Magdalena Palace, Santander (Cantabria)