WRITTEN QUESTION E-2486/00

by Isidoro Sánchez García (ELDR) to the Commission

(24 July 2000)

Subject: Cooling in relations between the Union and the countries of Latin America: assessment

The Latin American media are reporting that relations between the EU and the Latin American countries have cooled and suggesting that the situation has arisen since the departure of the Spanish Members of the Commission who in recent years have held the international cooperation portfolio.

What does the Commission think about the claims that relations have cooled, and, if it has really happened, what is the reason for this state of affairs?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(8 September 2000)

The Commission does not feel that the European Community's relations with Latin America have cooled. Moreover, relations between the Community and Latin America in no way depend on the nationality of members of the Commission responsible for international cooperation.

The Member States and the Commission all played an active role in the success of the first EU-Latin America/Caribbean summit held in Rio de Janeiro in June 1999 and they are also helping implement the priorities identified at that meeting.

The Commission feels that relations between the Community and Latin America have intensified and improved across the board. The summit of heads of state and government clearly illustrates the political importance the Community attaches to its relations with Latin America and the Caribbean. Continuation of the negotiations with Mercosur and Chile and implementation of the accords with Mexico attest to the economic impact of these relations. The Community is the top investor and the main or second biggest supplier and customer of this part of Latin America. Aside from the support towards alleviating the debt of the three poorest countries, cooperation ties continue as before. The Community remains the principal donor of aid to the developing countries.