Becoming more sovereign – together with Latin America?
The EU is striving for strategic sovereignty: this means economic resilience, environmental sustainability and digital independence. However, in a world of multipolar power relations, unstable supply chains and global transformation processes, this can only be achieved through strong, reliable partnerships. Latin America can play a central role in this.
But how can this partnership contribute to the economic, ecological and digital sovereignty of both regions? This question was discussed at the LADW Focus Event today at this year’s Day of Industry (TDI), one of the largest economic policy conferences in Europe: Brazil’s Foreign Minister, H.E. Ambassador Mauro Vieira, as keynote speaker, Colombia’s Ambassador to Berlin, H.E. Ambassador Yadir Salazar Mejía, Stefan Rouenhoff, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Economics, Dominik Asam, Member of the Executive Board and CFO of SAP SE, Stefan Oelrich, Member of the Executive Board and CEO Pharmaceuticals of Bayer AG, and ntv business journalist Isabelle Körner.
Latin America can make indispensable contributions to Europe’s economic resilience, climate protection and technological sovereignty. However, the EU and Germany must act quickly and decisively in order not to miss the boat. Because competition for the region is fierce. The specific fields of action are:
- Ratify the EU-Mercosur Agreement swiftly: The agreement is key to fair trade, sustainable growth and Europe’s geopolitical independence. Any delay opens up space for other players – above all China.
- Diversify supply chains: Latin America offers alternatives in the areas of energy, industrial and critical raw materials. Europe should use these to reduce dependencies.
- Strengthen innovation and scientific cooperation: The region has great potential, especially in digitalization, AI and sustainable technologies. The well-connected Latin American diaspora in Germany can build bridges here.
- Leverage cultural proximity & strong presence of German companies in the region: Shared values facilitate the expansion of economic cooperation – this should be promoted in a targeted manner.
- Setting the political course now: Turn upcoming events into milestones in cooperation: EU-CELAC summit in Colombia in November 2025, COP30 also in Brazil in November 2025 and Hannover Messe 2026 with Brazil as a partner country, etc.
Conclusion: We have the opportunity to expand our partnership with Latin America for the future – for growth, sustainability and global stability. What counts now: Decide. Act. Network.
