Democracy in EU-Latin American Trade Relations

Challenges and Perspectives

Abstract

This Working Paper analyzes the value of democracy in trade relations between the European Union (EU) and its partners, focusing on the case of Latin America (LA) through three main thematic axes: first, the role of the EU as a significant global actor that includes promoting democracy in the exercise of its external action. Secondly, trade relations with Latin America and the democratic clause in trade agreements are analyzed. Finally, reflections are offered on the criticisms, challenges and possible strategies for strengthening cooperation between the two regions, including the effective promotion of democratic values. All this is based on the recognition that the EU is the most influential actor in areas such as development cooperation and regional integration. At the same time, Latin America is a region that broadly shares some European values such as democracy and could benefit from cooperation to promote its growth while pursuing sustainable development. Although both the EU and Latin America incorporate the promotion of democracy through democratic clauses in their trade and association agreements, both bilateral and bi-regional, the implementation of these provisions has not been consistent, which calls into question the efficiency of this instrument given the EU’s aspiration to promote democracy through its trade relations.