Bolivia, a landlocked nation abundant in natural resources, features diverse landscapes from the Andes mountains and the Atacama desert to the Amazon rainforest. Its reliance on the extraction sector makes it vulnerable to external shocks and climate change. With nearly 40% of its population living below the poverty line, Bolivia faces significant wealth distribution inequalities and a strong informal sector.
EU relations with Bolivia are not formalised, although trade relations are guided by the Generalised Scheme of Preferences. Nevertheless, there's a continued commitment to support Bolivia's democratic development aligned with EU values.
Our partnership
Under the Global Gateway Investment Agenda, Bolivia's two priority areas are critical raw materials, particularly green lithium, and renewable energy. The Team Europe Initiative in Bolivia brings together funds from the EU and EU member states around the topic ‘Green and Resilient Development’. The objective is to foster a green transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient, and climate-resilient economy. This initiative targets three key components: (i) sustainable and climate-resilient landscapes, (ii) green energy, and (iii) circular economy in sustainable cities.
The Multi-annual Indicative Programme (MIP) 2021-2027 for Bolivia, aligning with both EU priorities and Bolivia's Social and Economic Development Programme (PDES 2021-2025), focuses on two priority areas: 'Environment, Climate Change, and Inclusive Economic Development' and 'Good Governance and Human Rights', with a total allocation of €104 million.
The Annual Action Plan for 2022 outlines three actions: climate change adaption, good governance, and combating gender-based violence.
The Annual Action Plan for 2023 focuses on water management and countering illicit drug trafficking, including a blending or guarantee scheme for water and sanitation projects.
Our flagship initiatives
- Green lithium
Increased EU investments, including a public-private partnership between Team Europe, EU companies, and International Financing Institutions, aim to collaboratively provide technologies, particularly for regions facing water scarcity.
- Renewable energy
Investing in renewable energies in Bolivia offers a key opportunity to aid the country's transition towards clean energy and lower carbon emissions, as Bolivia actively transitions its electricity mix to favor renewable sources.