The first Summit of the European Union – Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (EU-CELAC) in eight years has resulted in an ambitious 41-point declaration that covers a vast scope of areas for future development.

The third EU-CELAC summit, which brought the 60 member states of the EU and CELAC together in Brussels was co-chaired by Charles Michel, President of the European Council; and Ralph Gonsalves, President of CELAC and Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

During a press conference following the Summit on July 18, Michel said a “new optimistic positive chapter” has been opened in relations between the EU and CELAC.

“We have just agreed on a declaration on both sides, an ambitious declaration that covers a vast scope of areas for future development which was supported by all countries with the exception of one which could not agree to one single paragraph. So that was the success of that event.”

During the summit, leaders broached a wide range of topics with a view to further strengthening the EU-CELAC partnership, including: enhanced cooperation in multilateral fora; global peace and stability;