The new conservative to right-wing populist governments are ideologically closer to the U.S. than their left-wing predecessors. At the same time, they are unlikely to want to do without Europe as a player between Washington and Beijing.

Geopolitics is elevating the continent’s role as a business location and trade partner. With trade agreements with Mexico and Mercosur, the EU has now positioned itself strategically.

The economic outlook for 2026 is stable and slightly positive. Politically, the continent is facing a change of direction due to several elections. The influence of geopolitics is likely to increase further.

It is still unclear where the US customs policy toward the region will ultimately lead. The future of the EU’s free trade agreements with Latin America also remains open.

At present, China could significantly expand its political influence in South America. There are a number of important events coming up in the second half of the year.

Bilateral economic forum and roundtables on renewable energies and critical raw materials.

After Europe and North America, it remains the region with the highest density of democracy in the world. However, the lack of security is the main reason why authoritarian governments are tolerated.

The chances of this are good. Global interest in the region is growing and it remains stable in a world of increasing crises.

…but with only a third of the population”. Megainvestor Claure believes the region could be in for its best years in a long time.

EU-CELAC summit brought investment of US$45 billion for the region’s infrastructure and confidence for the EU-Mercosur agreement.