Global Gateway, launched by President von der Leyen in December 2021, is the EU’s contribution to narrowing the global investment gap, supporting global economic recovery and accompanying the twin green and digital transitions beyond European borders. Following the launch of Global Gateway, this panel explored what “sustainable and trusted connections” mean in a Latin American and Caribbean context and how they can be put into action, drawing on experience from the region.
Synopsis
The panel discussed how the EU and the Latin America and Caribbean region share common values, such as democracy and environmentalism, and have been working in partnership for many years. However, further cooperation is needed to achieve common norms in terms of the regulatory environment and the strength of institutions so as to attract private sector investment. There was a strong focus on the current inequity of internet access in the region and the need to close this digital divide, not only in terms of infrastructure but also with regard to skills. The panel highlighted how internet access is vital for education and social equality, as well as for innovation.
