The debate will be conducted in English and will be followed by a cocktail reception featuring some Spanish specialties. 

Among all EU member states, Spain maintains the strongest diplomatic and cultural ties with Latin America. This stands as a pivotal factor behind the Spanish government’s dedicated focus on enhancing EU-Latin America relations during its Presidency of the Council of the EU, which extends from July to December 2023.

Representing nearly one third of UN members, the EU and Latin American and Caribbean States face a pivotal question: Can they form a strategic partnership at the UN level to tackle common geopolitical challenges? 

In addition, as trade discussions continue with Mercosur states, Chile and Mexico, a key issue is environmental considerations. Can the EU and Latin America really join forces to combat deforestation and address climate change? Also, in this context, can Latin America help the EU diversify its supply of critical raw materials for a sustainable transition?

We will have the chance to discuss this with two Spanish Members of the European Parliament:

- Leopoldo López Gil, a member of the Partido Popular, which in the European Parliament is affiliated with the European People’s Party. Mr López Gil serves as the Spanish EPP MEP responsible for Latin American affairs and is, among other things, Vice-Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Chile Joint Parliamentary Committee and a member of the Delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly. 

- Domènec Ruiz Devesa, a member of the Partido Socialista Obrero Español, the party which leads the current Spanish government and which in the European Parliament is affiliated with the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats. His responsibilities encompass being a substitute member of the Delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly.