Brussels, 21/04/2015 (Agence Europe) - During a strategic debate on relations between the EU and Latin America at the General Affairs Council on Monday 20 April, several member states suggested putting in place specific financial aid to support the peace process in Colombia.
“Many member states said that it would be a good idea to set up a European trust fund to back the peace process in Colombia” a European source said. The exact arrangements and timescale have not been determined at this stage but the idea has been floated, the source added.
During the first discussion on strengthening EU-Latin American relations for six years, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini argued for stronger political relations between equals in the partnership between the EU and Latin America. She also suggested holding bi-regional ministerial meetings on a more frequent basis than that of EU-Latin America summits which take place every two years, with the next scheduled to be held in Brussels on 10-11 June.
The situation of countries was also discussed. The EU believes that the reform process in Cuba, though slow, seems to be irreversible. Hence the importance of supporting this process through negotiations on an association and cooperation agreement. The Cuban foreign minister will be in Brussels on Wednesday 22 April. Elsewhere, several delegations expressed concern at the increasingly autocratic behaviour of the Venezuelan regime. (Mathieu Bion)