After abstaining in the European Parliament’s vote on the EU’s political strategy towards Latin America and the Caribbean, the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group said that Europe must show greater clarity and courage in its approach to the region.

“In too many Latin American countries today, freedom and democracy are under threat from authoritarian regimes and the growing influence of hostile powers. We have called for the suspension of the agreement with Cuba, as well as for the Cartel de los Soles to be designated a terrorist organisation, as the Trump administration and other regional governments have done,” said Carlo Fidanza, ECR Vice-President of EuroLat and shadow rapporteur, speaking in the debate.

“It is also time to address the very serious violations of the rule of law currently taking place in Brazil against members of the conservative opposition. The European Union must show greater determination in supporting those who stand for liberty and human dignity. Freedom is not negotiable. Democracy cannot be selective. The same principles must apply to all governments, regardless of their political colour,” Mr Fidanza said.

Speaking earlier after the vote in committee, ECR Foreign Affairs coordinator highlighted the need for the EU to respond more firmly to persistent violations of fundamental rights.

“On Cuba, our position is clear: The Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement should be suspended until there is verifiable progress on political prisoners and fundamental freedoms. Condemning the dictatorships in Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela should not be a footnote to policy — it must be the starting point of any credible EU agenda in the region,” Mr Bielan said.

The ECR Members also warned that the European Union has already lost valuable time in building effective relations with Latin America, leaving the field open to more assertive and aggressive global powers such as China and Russia.

“Europe cannot afford another decade of polite declarations while others build influence in the region. Our partnership must be concrete, reciprocal, and anchored in security cooperation and trade”, said Mr Bielan.

Both MEPs emphasised that the EU’s relationship with Latin America should rest on pragmatic cooperation, trade and mutual respect, rather than symbolic declarations.

“We will continue the work through the newly reconstituted ECR Eurolat Policy Group to promote a more pragmatic and balanced approach. And we will keep pressing for freedom, democracy and human rights in the face of the leftist-communist authoritarian regimes that still oppress the region,” Mr Fidanza concluded.

The report is intended to feed into preparations for the next EU–Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Summit, scheduled to take place in Santa Marta, Colombia, in November 2025.