Global Gateway: EU and Latin America and the Caribbean build together more inclusive and equitable societies

During the EU-LAC High-Level Event on Inclusive Human Development and Equitable Access to Health Products, Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen launched a Team Europe Initiative to promote Inclusive and Equitable Societies in Latin America and the Caribbean, jointly with six EU Member States (France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain and Sweden).

This initiative under the EU’s Global Gateway investment strategy will mobilise around 1€ billion with a €268 million EU contribution to facilitate access to social rights and basic social services, enhance inclusive, accountable and transparent institutions, and foster social innovation, resilience and just transitions.

Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen said: “In July 2023 we celebrated the third EU-CELAC Summit in Brussels. Today, less than a year later, I am proud to announce the official launch of the Team Europe Initiative on Inclusive and Equitable Societies. It highlights our commitment to put human development at the heart of the Global Gateway investment agenda. The launch of this initiative is a milestone showcasing the Team Europe approach with partners in Latin America and the Caribbean to leave no one behind in the fair green and digital transition.”

The TEI will contribute to the SDGs by promoting collaboration with Latin American and Caribbean partners to develop inclusive policies in areas such as: gender and social policies, care and wellbeing, youth, and social inclusion through quality education, skills development and access to decent jobs. Participation and social innovation to foster just, green and digital transitions and help reduce poverty and inequalities will also be important elements of the initiative.

Background

In conjunction with the EU-LAC Partnership on Health Resilience and Equitable Access to Health Products, the regional Team Europe Initiative on Inclusive and Equitable Societies will bolster the social dimension of the EU-LAC Global Gateway Investment Agenda combining private and public potential, access to services and public goods, collaborative innovation and sustainable relation with the environment.

The Global Gateway Investment Agenda in Latin America and the Caribbean will mobilise €45 billion over the next four years until 2027 for  soft and hard infrastructure investments. This agenda, developed jointly with the region, aims to narrow the global investment gap and support economic recovery while advancing the twin green and digital transitions.

Both initiatives were highlighted in the EU-LAC High-Level Event on Inclusive Human Development and Equitable Access to Health Products on 21-22 March 2024, signaling the opportunities for collaboration in this domain through a bi-regional partnership. The event constitutes an important benchmark in the EU-CELAC Roadmap for 2023-25, as agreed at the III EU-CELAC Summit last year, where Heads of State and Government committed to renewing their long-standing bi-regional partnership based on shared values and strong economic, social and cultural ties.

Global Gateway will boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems. It provides sustainable investment opportunities to enhance the prosperity and security of our global partners and Europe alike.