In Brussels on Monday, 14 July, the European Union’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy and the Danish minister for foreign affairs as well as his counterparts from six Central American countries (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama) took stock of relations between the EU and Central America during the first Association Council within the framework of the bilateral agreement that has been in force since May 2024 (see EUROPE 13391/4).
In a joint statement, the leaders reiterate that their bilateral relations are based on the principles and objectives of the United Nations Charter, a commitment to multilateralism, and a respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
On the economic front, Europeans and Central Americans are pleased that trade volume has risen from €8.7 billion to €22 billion between 2012 and 2023—the EU notably representing a key market for Central American agricultural exports. These sometimes represent 90% of exports from certain Central American countries.
The leaders also stressed the importance of further developing the regional electricity market “as a tool for growth and a driver of regional integration”.
Committees specific to the EU-Central America Association Agreement will meet in the Central American region in 2027.
See the joint statement: https://aeur.eu/f/hvl (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)