Overview
Uruguay stands out in Latin America for being a egalitarian society, with high per capita income and relatively low levels of poverty and inequality. It is a politically stable and democratic country with a population of almost 3.5 million people. It is recognised for its strong institutions, rule of law and freedom of the press. Its economy is characterised by its export-oriented agricultural sector, renewable energy and a well-developed services sector, including finance, and tourism. The country also benefits from a strategic location within the MERCOSUR bloc, serving as a hub for regional trade and investment.
Despite its high-income status, Uruguay faces challenges in promoting inclusive economic growth, adapting to climate change, and further digitalising its economy. The EU partners with Uruguay to address these challenges, promote the green and digital transitions, and advance shared values, including democracy, human rights, social cohesion and security.
Our partnership
The EU partners with Uruguay to promote inclusive and sustainable development, in line with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and with the country’s own ambitious climate goals and social policies.
The Uruguay 2050 Development Strategy is closely aligned with EU policy priorities, proposing a transformation toward a sustainable economic model. Priorities include a green transition and an inclusive economic recovery based on sustainable use of natural resources, and a digital transformation aligned with European digital market framework and standards.
The EU and Uruguay also created a bilateral fund to promote a strategic dialogue as part of the international discussions about “development in transition”.
Team Europe in Uruguay brings together the European Union, the European Investment Bank (EIB), and EU Member States including Spain, France, Germany Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands, Austria, Romania, and Sweden. Together, we support democratic governance, a just green and digital transition as well as inclusive growth.
The EU delivers support through bilateral and regional programmes.
EU-Uruguay partnership documents are available in the “Related documents” section below.
Our key initiatives
- Green transition
The EU assists Uruguay in promoting a green, inclusive economic recovery and sustainable use of natural resources. Actions focus on:
- Supporting sustainable agriculture, water protection and biodiversity, including agroecology and family farming initiatives.
- Promoting climate resilience and environmental governance through bilateral and regional projects, including sustainable cattle farming, sustainable mobility, and coastal zone adaptation.
- Strengthening Uruguay’s climate services through a regional drought information system and water monitoring and warning systems.
- Economic development and growth
Together with Uruguay, the EU fosters sustainable growth, job creation, and economic inclusion:
- Supporting the circular economy and sustainability with private and public sector partners.
- Promoting women’s economic participation in the digital sector and youth innovation under the Development in Transition framework.
- Strengthening Uruguay’s role as a regional cooperation provider through ADELANTE, a triangular cooperation programme.
- Energy and digital
The EU is partnering with Uruguay by:
- Supporting the country’s Green Hydrogen Roadmap through technical assistance and capacity development.
- Advancing the digital transformation through policy and regulatory dialogue on artificial intelligence, data governance, the mutual recognition of e-signature and promotion of digital innovation in enterprises through the Digital Accelerator.
- Governance, rights and social cohesion
The EU helps Uruguay promote good governance, gender equality, and inclusive policies, notably by:
- Strengthening local governments and public services to improve waste management and circular economy.
- Supporting NGOs and civil society to promote human rights and fight gender-based violence.
- Supporting social cohesion, reintegration of women deprived of liberty, and women’s economic empowerment.
- Supporting citizen’s dialogue in the country related to Global Gateway priorities within the programme of Inclusive Societies.
- Security and the rule of law
The EU supports Uruguay in enhancing citizen security and justice reform:
- Active participation in regional programmes such as EL PACCTO 2.0, COPOLAD III, EUROFRONT and SEACOP V, tackling organised crime, drug policy, integrated border management, and maritime security
- Reinforcing the justice chain, penitentiary systems, and regional judicial cooperation
