Month of Europe: Ambassadors of the European Union carry out joint mission in Azuay, Cañar and Quito to strengthen ties of friendship and cooperation with Ecuador
Within the framework of the activities for the Month of Europe in Ecuador and with the purpose of strengthening friendship, cooperation and catalyzing new alliances for sustainable development, Team Europe carried out an official mission in Azuay, Cañar and Quito from May 17 to 20, 2026.
The group of diplomats consisted of Jekaterina Doródnova, Ambassador of the European Union; Jens Peter Lütkenherm, Ambassador of Germany; Katarína Tomková, Ambassador of Slovakia (from Brazil); Enrique Yturriaga, Ambassador of Spain; Lasse Keisalo, Ambassador of Finland (from Peru); Iakovos Iakovidis, Ambassador of Greece (from Peru); Anna Pieńkosz, Ambassador of Poland (from Peru); Alexander Kofman, Ambassador of the Netherlands (from Peru); the first advisers of the French Embassy, Philippe Richou and the Italian Embassy, Mirko Costa; and the team of the Delegation of the European Union to Ecuador.
Europe Bridge: A symbol of resilience and future
The mission began with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque on the Europa Bridge, on the 25th anniversary of its construction. This infrastructure, which links Azuay and Cañar, is much more than a work of engineering; It is a testament to the European solidarity that emerged after the Josefina disaster to rebuild not only roads but also hopes and livelihoods.
The relationship with Ecuador is strengthened in the territory, listening to its inhabitants and authorities and feeling the impact of our cooperation. We support decentralized cooperation because, by working directly with municipalities and provinces, we not only strengthen institutional capacities, but co-create solutions tailored to their needs. We are here to project a new paradigm of cooperation through the Global Gateway initiative. It is not just about financing, but about partnerships to boost sustainable investments in strategic sectors such as the energy transition, digital modernisation and resilient infrastructure. (EU Ambassador Jekaterina Doródnova)
The event was also attended by local authorities such as the Prefect of Azuay, Juan Cristóbal Lloret; the Prefect of Cañar, Marcelo Jaramillo; and the district director of the Ministry of Transport and Public Works, Paúl López, who agreed on the importance of international cooperation as a key model to boost territorial development, decentralize opportunities and build a more inclusive and sustainable future for the country.
UE Ecuador (2026)
Sustainability and energy transition
In line with the challenges of the electricity sector, European representatives made a technical visit to the Mazar Hydroelectric Power Plant, part of the Paute complex. The activity was attended by representatives of the Electric Corporation of Ecuador (CELEC-EP) and the Prefect of Cañar, Marcelo Jaramillo.
During the tour, the diplomats noted the contribution of European companies (Germany, Spain, France and Italy) in the supply of technology and machinery, and held a dialogue focused on the importance of guaranteeing the energy stability of the country through sustainable investments. This exchange is part of the Global Gateway approach, which promotes public-private partnerships to boost resilient infrastructure and the energy transition.
Cultural diplomacy and local development
The mission also highlighted the link between culture, identity and economic development. The delegation visited the Makana Museum, where the intergenerational work of local artisans was highlighted, the Hat Museum, as well as the María Auxiliadora Toquilleras Association, a direct example of the positive impact of European cooperation through initiatives such as the Paute II project. These initiatives have made it possible to boost the local economy and facilitate the insertion of Ecuadorian artisan products into the European market.
Strengthening institutional relations
The official agenda concluded in Quito with a floral offering in the Plaza de la Independencia. During the symbolic event, Ambassador Doródnova highlighted the values that unite Ecuador and the European Union, linking the Ecuadorian ‘Cry of Independence’ with the Schuman Declaration, the origin of the European project and a historic commitment to peace, cooperation and unity between nations after the Second World War.
UE Ecuador (2026)
The Ecuadorian and European flags on this square are testimony to the fact that our quest for justice, democracy and dignity is one voice uniting continents. The relationship between the European Union and Ecuador is a living testimony to that diplomacy of peace and prosperity. This gesture is, therefore, a promise of loyalty to those ideals. As the European Union in Ecuador, we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that these shared principles continue to flourish on both sides of the Atlantic. (EU Ambassador Jekaterina Doródnova).
After the symbolic event, the ambassadors and representatives of Team Europe held an official working lunch with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of Ecuador, Gabriela Sommerfeld. This high-level meeting made it possible to review the common agenda, strengthen the political dialogue and deepen the ties of cooperation, consolidating the bases for future strategic alliances between Ecuador and the European Union.
UE Ecuador (2026)