Joint Press Release of the European Union and Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala
In the context of the first Political and Cooperation Association Committee between the European Union (EU) and the six Central American countries (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama) held on 13 July 2026 in Brussels, the European Union and 5 of the 6 Central American countries agreed on the following.
The meeting came at a time of enhanced high-level bi-regional engagement. The EU and the 5 Central American countries reaffirmed their commitment to democratic governance, including, where mutually agreed in accordance with national legislation through EU Electoral observation and expert missions, to upholding the UN principles and human rights, and to regional stability, while addressing global challenges such as migration, security, and climate change. Discussions included matters related to UN reform, multilateral cooperation, and preparations for the 2027 EU-CELAC Summit.
They welcomed the first meeting of the Sub-Committee on Cooperation under the EU-Central American Agreement, held on 27 May 2026 in El Salvador and on 12 June 2026 in a virtual format. They also emphasized the need to explore specific technical cooperation projects in different areas, inter alia, the green, digital and just transitions, sustainable economic integration, peaceful and inclusive development, as well as disaster risk management, including through the establishment of public-private partnerships, and to prioritize initiatives within the framework of the EU–Central America Association Agreement that are mutually beneficial and consistent with the objectives and provisions of the Cooperation Chapter of the Agreement, while complementing efforts under the Global Gateway Investment Agenda.
The partnership developed under the EU-LAC Digital Alliance for participating parties, together with efforts to strengthen the Regional Electricity Market, are key to promoting sustainable growth, enhancing competitiveness, social cohesion and fostering regional economic integration. In this context, the Parties stressed the importance of scaling up investments in clean energy and secure digital connectivity, particularly in remote areas to increase access and concrete results and tangible benefits for the populations of both regions.
They also highlighted the importance of sustainable transport and mobility, as well as of the circular economy, acknowledged to be essential areas for further progress and innovation given their importance for the climate agenda and for the development of local value chains.
The Parties further recognised security as an increasingly important area for reinforced cooperation, dialogue and partnership, including, where applicable under the EU-LAC Citizen Security Alliance. They agreed to strengthen cooperation against organised crime and other transnational threats. The current context presents an opportunity to build trust and promote joint responses to shared challenges. In that context, they reaffirmed the importance of maritime security and the smooth functioning of international maritime transport, in accordance with international law.
They further discussed geopolitical dynamics and expressed their deep concern regarding the ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, which continues to cause immense human suffering, and called for a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace, in full respect of the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, including the peaceful settlement of disputes and the principle of territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Reaffirming their strong partnership, and committing to deeper collaboration for sustainable development, security, and global stability, they looked forward to the second Association Council, to be held in Central America in 2027, as agreed at the first Association Council.