https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InSU0dLAXn4
“My proposal is that we reflect on the long-delayed relationship between Europe and Latin America, as there is a sense—not only among ordinary citizens but also among government elites—that the expectations and potential stemming from our shared past have not been realized,” said Dr. Filipe Luis Vasconcelos during the online conference “Europe and Latin America: The Long-Delayed Encounter.”
Dr. Vasconcelos—who holds a Diploma in Advanced Studies in International Politics and Conflict Resolution and a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations—is a professor in the Department of International Relations at the Autonomous University of Lisbon, a visiting professor at the University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE–IUL), and a visiting professor in the Bachelor’s program in International Studies at Universidad ORT Uruguay.
The conference, which took place on Wednesday, June 30, 2021, was organized by the Department of International Studies at ORT’s School of Management and Social Sciences.
The paradox
In 2019, the signing of the agreement between the European Union and Mercosur was seen as a step with great potential for relations between Europeans and Latin Americans. However, two years later, no progress has been made in this regard.
The expert wondered whether Europe and Latin America really have that much in common from a cultural standpoint, given the difficulties in “reaching an agreement that would allow for the development of deeper political ties and, above all, economic and socialties between the two societies.”
“In my opinion, we are very far apart even though we are very close, and this, when all is said and done, is a paradox.” Furthermore, according to Vasconcelos, the fact that Portugal and Spain are two “relatively peripheral” countries complicates the relationship between Europe and Latin America.
“There may be a perception of Spain as a major power, but within the European framework, it has not had sufficient influence to place Latin America on the European Union’s list of priorities. At the same time, Portugal is a very small country and does not currently hold a dominant position,” said Vasconcelos, adding: “Even Brazil has greater ability to influence the global reach of the Portuguese language than Portugal does.”
Latin American Pluralism
Another complication in the relationship between Latin America and Europe is that “there is not just one Latin America, but a vast array of Latin Americas,” said the expert, adding: “This Latin American diversity also ends up fragmenting the Latin American region and leaving less room for negotiation when dealing with Europe.”
“The fact that there are two economies—Brazil’s and Argentina’s—where protectionism prevailed and models based on the protection of domestic industries were developed has contributed to the great difficulty we face today in opening up these two markets economically.”
Vasconcelos added: “In this context, we have Chile’s long-standing openness, which has persisted from the 1970s to the present day. This is highly significant. It is the opposite of Argentine or Brazilian policy. This pluralism is reflected in Chile’s efforts to establish trade agreements with the European Union.”
Portugal and Spain
Vasconcelos stated that there are“profound differences”between the models of economic integration in Europe and those in Latin America. “There is little room for consensus in the domestic politics of Latin American countries. While such opportunities for consensus are dwindling in Europe, there is a tradition of consensus there.”
“When we look at Latin America, the picture is completely different. Organizations in this region emerge and disappear depending on ideological alignments. There is a very significant ideological framework that intensifies the ongoing internal struggle, and this spills over into the international arena.”
“I believe that Portugal and Spain are the ones who stand to lose the most from the failure of this development, of this rapprochement, between Europe and Latin America,” the scholar concluded, “as we find ourselves further removed from those with whom we share the most in common, with whom we have the closest ties practically everywhere in the world.”