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José Ignacio Salafranca, Vicepresident at the Fundación Euroamérica, joined Canning House as guest speaker for a roundtable discussion. The Spanish Ambassador to the United Kingdom, H.E. Emma Aparici, delivered the introductory remarks.
Canning House welcomed José Ignacio Salafranca, Vice-President of Fundación Euroamérica, for a roundtable discussion with invited guests on the outcomes of the 30th Ibero-American Summit and the future of Europe-Latin America relations. H.E. Emma Aparici, Ambassador of Spain to the United Kingdom, kindly provided the opening remarks.
Drawing on his extensive experience in European politics and diplomacy, Mr Salafranca examined the shifting geopolitical landscape and the implications for relations between Europe and Latin America. He argued that renewed political will is essential if both regions are to strengthen their partnership at a time of growing international uncertainty, economic competition and pressure on multilateral institutions.
The discussion explored Latin America's considerable strengths, including its natural resources, biodiversity and demographic advantages, alongside persistent challenges such as political fragmentation, inequality and the need for greater investment to drive long-term growth and productivity.
Mr Salafranca also noted recent efforts to strengthen ties between the European Union and Latin America, such as renewed momentum behind the EU-Mercosur agreement, while stressing that political commitments must now be translated into concrete cooperation on trade, investment and development. A central theme of his remarks was the need to move beyond political declarations and towards concrete cooperation on trade, investment and development, supported by international financial institutions and development banks.
Participants discussed how Europe and Latin America can build a more balanced and equal partnership, strengthen support for the multilateral system, and work together to address shared global challenges. The conversation concluded with a reflection on whether both regions are ready to help shape a renewed model of multilateralism based on shared values, reciprocity and practical cooperation.
Following the roundtable, Fundación Euroamérica and Canning House signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) centred on inter-institutional cooperation and the principle of mutual interest, with both signatories contributing to the development and implementation of joint activities and collaborative projects aimed at strengthening relations between the United Kingdom, Latin America and Iberia.
Canning House thanks José Ignacio Salafranca, H.E. Emma Aparici and all participants for contributing to an engaging and insightful discussion.
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