The European People's Party (EPP) has promoted this Thursday in Madrid, within the framework of the 'Libertas' forum together with representatives of allied parties from Ibero-America, a joint declaration that underlines that Ibero-America is a "strategic partner" of Europe in the defense of freedom. In that document, furthermore, "stronger economic ties" between both shores are called for "a more solid partnership".
"We conclude with the conviction that a strong Europe, committed to its values and united with the democratic forces of Ibero-America, represents the best response to populism, authoritarianism, and those who seek to undermine the liberal international order," reads the text endorsed at these conferences held in the capital, which have brought together more than 60 parties from 42 countries in Europe and Ibero-America over two days.
The president of the PP, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, was in charge of inaugurating this forum on Wednesday, which has featured interventions via teleconference from the leader of the Venezuelan opposition, María Corina Machado, the Prime Minister of Portugal, Luis Montenegro, and the president-elect of Peru, Keiko Fujimori, among other figures. The president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, and the former President of the Government José María Aznar, among other leaders, have also spoken.
Throughout the two days, with several closed-door debate sessions, center-right political leaders from Europe and Latin America have addressed the new world order and the global challenges facing the West, such as populism, autocracy, social polarization, disinformation, and the use of the economy as a geopolitical instrument.
Europe and Ibero-America, a common basis of values
In the approved declaration, it is emphasized that Europe and Ibero-America "share the same civilizational basis, rooted in Christian values, human dignity, the rule of law, and representative democracy." Likewise, it is stressed that the defense of these principles "constitutes a shared historical responsibility in the face of an international order in profound transformation."
The document reaffirms that the EPP contributes, from Europe, "to the permanent commitment to freedom, human rights, and representative democracy", and emphasizes that the values on which the European project is based "are not exclusively European, but universal". "Europe has the responsibility to defend them also within its historical and cultural sphere of influence, which fully includes Ibero-America", the text adds.
The promoters of the declaration warn that "the advance of authoritarianism, the erosion of democratic systems, the rise of illiberal populism, and the massive manipulation of information represent systemic threats that no democracy can face alone".
Furthermore, they underline that Ibero-America "is a fundamental part of the West and one of its broadest, most dynamic, and universal expressions, and building a free and just international order requires cooperation with the democratic forces of the region".
The text also expresses its "serious concern about the democratic standards in Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua, incompatible with democratic principles and with the values that underpin both the European project and our international political community". "The European Union, guided by the political will of the EPP, plays an important role in the face of the systematic repression of fundamental rights", it adds.
They demand free elections in Venezuela and strengthening of trade agreements
In relation to Venezuela, the declaration underlines the urgency of holding "free and transparent elections, in accordance with international standards". The signatories call for electoral processes that are "free and fair, with full political participation and guarantees", as well as the "immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, with the full restoration of their rights".
"We reaffirm, from Europe, that the cause of freedom in Caracas, Havana, and Managua belongs to the entire international democratic community", they highlight in the same declaration, collected by Europa Press.
On the economic level, and in full swing of China's economic power, participants position themselves in favor of "free trade and fair trade, as well as a strengthening of economic cooperation between Europe and Ibero-America". In this regard, they support the EU-Mexico Agreement, the EU-Mercosur Agreement, the EU-Chile Agreement, the Association Agreement with Central America, and the Multiparty Trade Agreement with the Andean Community.
"These agreements create unique opportunities for businesses and citizens on both sides of the Atlantic," states the declaration promoted by the center-right leaders gathered at the 'Libertas' forum.
However, the document specifies that the agreements "must safeguard European interests and incorporate adequate measures to protect sensitive sectors, including agriculture, through effective mechanisms such as the EU-Mercosur Safeguard Regulation".
The declaration also expresses their "concern" about the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement with Cuba, "given the flagrant non-compliance, by the regime, with the Agreement's clause relating to human rights".
Finally, it is emphasized that this two-day meeting in Madrid is configured as a space for dialogue and exchange of points of view "in the service of freedom, representative democracy, the open economy, and the rule of law, whose conclusions can contribute to the development of an effective foreign policy".