The new conservative governments are seeking closer ties with Washington without severing relations with Beijing. For Europe, this opens up new opportunities as a trade and investment partner.

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.

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

Guyana, Brazil and Argentina are increasing production, while Ecuador, Mexico, Colombia and Venezuela are losing ground.

Brazil’s Amazon clearing is falling again for the first time. At the same time, President Lula wants to unite South America’s governments to save the rainforest.

It could bring about comprehensive improvements in the framework conditions for the economy and trigger a growth spurt.

Four weeks after the Minister of Economy, the President Gustavo Petro comes to Berlin.