The EU and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States: Taking the partnership further

High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini will co-chair the first stand-alone meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) on 25 and 26 October 2016 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, together with the incumbent CELAC President, Foreign Minister of the Dominican Republic Miguel Vargas Maldonado. The Foreign Ministers from both regions will take stock on the progress of implementing the action plan for the regions, adopted at last year’s Summit in Brussels. The outcomes of this partnership so far include improvements in public safety, the creation of jobs, exchange of students, and action on climate change. Foreign ministers will also sign an agreement establishing the EU-LAC Foundation as an international organisation. This will further advance our partnership by fostering mutual understanding and knowledge as well as linking inter-governmental processes to business, academia and citizens of both regions. At the same time, the European Union will reaffirm its commitment to the Latin American and Caribbean regions and sign new cooperation projects worth €74 million. Overall, the EU will commit over €710 million in key sectors such as climate change, governance, security and inclusive growth. The programmes will support sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean and lead to the improvement of the living conditions of their populations. Furthermore, a EU-CARIFORUM Foreign Ministers meeting will be co-chaired by HR/VP Mogherini, where the participating ministers will discuss the issues of Financing for development and Climate change.