EIB and EU promote strategic alliance with Latin America: financial tools and key projects for sustainable development

The event, which brought together business leaders and institutional representatives, served as a platform to delve deeper into the EU strategy in Latin America, framed within the ambitious initiative global gateway. This initiative, designed by the General Directorate of International Associations (DG INTPA) of the European Commission, seeks to promote strategic projects that foster sustainable development and mutual cooperation between both regions.

During the opening of the day, Íñigo Fernández de MesaThe CEOE vice president emphasized: "Both the UE , the Latin America They share countless common objectives and goals which, if pursued jointly, will constitute the best platform for addressing the current geopolitical context. However, to achieve this, the public and private sectors must work hand in hand during this stage of transformation and change.

Fernández de Mesa highlighted the potential for collaboration in the field of renewable energy, highlighting the abundant lithium reserves and production potential of green hydrogen en Latin AmericaHe also highlighted the Bella II project, within the framework of the Global Gateway, which seeks to strengthen digital connectivity between both regions.

"Latin America's role is key to the EU's economic security and risk reduction strategy, reinforcing the need for closer ties," said Heike Schneider, Deputy Head of Division for the Americas of the European External Action Service (EEAS).

Fernando Torija, director of the EIB Office in Spain, explained the fundamental role of the European Investment Bank as an EU financial institution, highlighting its direct and intermediated financing model to support a wide range of projects.

For its part, Lorena Andrés Sancho, an expert from DG INTPA, highlighted that the Global Gateway investment agenda represents a key opportunity for the development of Latin America and the Caribbean, with a committed investment of 45.000 billion euros until 2027.

Heike Schneider, Deputy Division Chief of the European External Action Service (EEAS) for the Americas, highlighted the importance of strengthening ties between both regions, especially in the context of the EU-CELAC Summit 2024-2025 in Colombia.

Laurent Sillano, advisor to DG INTPA, stressed the importance of Global Gateway as a tool to strengthen cooperation, highlighting initiatives such as the program Copernicus in Chile and the use of green bonds to finance sustainable projects.

As regards the EIB's financial instruments, Sergio Martínez and Pablo Iribarren They explained that the bank seeks to implement EU public policies, with a focus on climate action and environmental sustainability.

Married Narcissus, CEOE's Director of Ibero-American Relations, highlighted the crucial role of business organizations in the success of Global Gateway, emphasizing the need for active cooperation from the private sector.

Finally, Beatrice Reguero of CESCE and Ana Cebrian From COFIDES, they highlighted the main financial instruments supporting Global Gateway, such as green investment policies, and the importance of streamlining financial mechanisms to maximize the impact of the projects.