The European Union and Uruguay

The Framework Cooperation Agreement entails regular meetings at political level through a Joint Commission to share information and discuss issues of mutual interest.

The 14th meeting of the European Union-Uruguay Joint Commission took place in Montevideo on June 4, 2026. At this meeting, both parties reiterated their shared commitment to continue working together and deepen the close bilateral relationship, based on the shared principles of democracy, the rule of law, the promotion and protection of human rights, the fight against climate change, the strengthening of multilateralism, and the conviction that international cooperation is an essential tool for mutual benefit in addressing contemporary global challenges and promoting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient development. They also expressed their intention to advance cooperation in areas such as the digital, green, and just transition, mobility, renewable energy, and the decarbonization of the economy, as well as gender equality and social cohesion, all linked to the European Global Gateway initiative.

In this regard, the contribution of the European side through the Euroclima and Inclusive Societies programs is particularly valued. In the former, progress is being made in implementing the actions of the two Country Windows and the Second Country Dialogue, demonstrating confidence in the inter-institutional coordination carried out by Uruguay. In the latter, Uruguay has been one of the first countries in the region to implement actions addressing the social dimension of European investments.

They valued the European programs for cooperation, education, science, technology, and innovation, as well as the provisional application of the EU-Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement and the prospect of provisionally implementing the EU-Mercosur Agreement, highlighting its political and cooperative dimensions. They also addressed global challenges such as armed conflicts, climate change, transnational crime, humanitarian crises, and inequalities. In this context, they reaffirmed their commitment to international law, peace, and diplomacy, and highlighted Uruguay's role as Pro Tempore President of CELAC in deepening the EU-CELAC cooperation agenda during 2026.

The full meeting statement can be read here.

Trade relations between the European Union and Uruguay are governed by the Framework Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Uruguay signed in 1992, which established the foundation for strengthening bilateral economic and trade ties. Furthermore, as a member state of Mercosur, Uruguay participates in the Interregional Cooperation Framework Agreement between the European Union and Mercosur, signed in 1995, which incorporated provisions aimed at promoting economic and trade cooperation between the two blocs.

Relations between the EU and Mercosur reached a new level with the signing of the European Union - Mercosur Partnership Agreement on January 17, 2026. In this context, the entry into force of its trade component, the EU-Mercosur Interim Trade Agreement, on May 1, 2026, represents a decisive step towards deepening bi-regional economic integration by facilitating market access, promoting investment, and strengthening legal certainty for economic operators in both regions.

The European Union is one of Uruguay's main trading partners, both in goods and services. European exports to Uruguay consist mainly of machinery, equipment, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, while imports from Uruguay are concentrated in wood pulp, paper and cardboard, as well as animal and agricultural products.

The EU has also established itself as the leading foreign investor in Uruguay, accounting for more than 40% of the country's foreign direct investment (FDI). European companies such as Bader, Bayer, BBVA, Banco Santander, Katoen Natie, Montes del Plata, Sofitel, Tigo, and UPM play a prominent role in strategic sectors of the Uruguayan economy, reflecting the confidence of the European private sector in the country and Uruguay's attractiveness as an investment destination.

The European business community in Uruguay is represented by Eurochamber Uruguay, which brings together the binational chambers of commerce of the European Union member states with a presence in the country. The European Parliament promotes economic and trade exchange, facilitates dialogue between the private sector and authorities, and contributes to strengthening economic relations between the EU and Uruguay.

How to trade with the EU?
Companies interested in exporting to or importing from the European Union can access practical and up-to-date information through the European Commission's  Access2Markets platform. This tool offers detailed information on tariffs, taxes, customs procedures, import and export requirements, rules of origin, trade measures, statistics, and other conditions for accessing the European market.

EU cooperation with Uruguay strengthens our partnership to combat global challenges and work together around the priorities we share, such as climate change and digitalisation.

Uruguay benefits from EU cooperation programmes, such as regional programmes for Latin America (EUROCLIMA, EUROSOCIAL, EL PAcCTO, COPOLAD, ADELANTE and AL INVEST, among others), thematic programmes which support civil society and promote democracy & human rights, and academic or scientific support & exchange programmes, such as Horizon Europe and Erasmus+.

In 2021, the EU launches a new strategy, named Global Gateway, to build more resilient connections with our partners around the world. The aim is to support smart investments in quality infrastructure in sectors such as digital, energy, transport, health, education and research.

Uruguay is an established and effective democracy. It enjoys considerable political and economic stability, with a robust rule of law. It is considered one of the most transparent and least corrupt countries of the world. The overall human rights situation in Uruguay remains positive and stable, with fundamental freedoms and human rights respected overall.

EU action focuses on the following key areas: 

• Eradicating all forms of violence and discrimination against women. 

• Promoting gender equality and cultivating an overall environment of non-discrimination, with special attention to the LGBTIQ community, persons with disabilities, elderly and Afro-descendants. 

To this effect, the EU Delegation in Uruguay engages proactively with the Uruguayan civil society, in particular through the annual structured dialogue, and carried out several major public events. 

In 2018, the EU Delegation launched an EU Human Rights Award to mark the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Award has been granted annually since then. It provides well-deserved visibility to the Uruguayan civil society and is an occasion to strengthen relations between the EU and key Uruguayan human rights institutions and civil society organisations.

See the situation in Uruguay as informed in the latest EU annual report on Human Rights and Democracy.

The EU has a strategic plan for humanitarian aid for Uruguay through the disaster preparedness programme (DIPECHO). 

Through its humanitarian aid, the European Commission not only provides assistance in emergencies, but also seeks to ensure that advance preparation is in place for the risk of natural disasters. 

The range of projects includes training, awareness-raising, risk mapping, emergency plans, early-warning systems and mitigation projects.