EU Policy and Outreach Partnership: Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean

Practical Applications

• Implementation of the Partnership Instrument (PI) as a global EU funding mechanism since 2014, supporting EU strategic interests through standalone actions, rapid-response tools (Policy Support Facility - PSF, and Technical Assistance and Information Exchange - TAIEX), and public diplomacy activities.
• Active funding and operation of 246 PI actions (as of July 2017), including 98 under PSF and 59 under TAIEX, with more in the pipeline.
• Ongoing support for the negotiation, implementation, and updating of EU trade and investment agreements with partner countries, including FTAs and Association Agreements (e.g., with Mexico, Chile, Mercosur, Central America, and the Caribbean).
• Established frameworks for cooperation and political and trade relations, such as the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement with Cuba, the Association Agreement in Central America, and the Economic Partnership Agreement with the Caribbean.
• Implementation of the EU-CELAC Joint Action Plan (2015) to advance dialogue and cooperation in areas of mutual interest between the EU and Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Funding and support for public and cultural diplomacy initiatives, including the Jean Monnet Centres, Erasmus+ international credit mobility and joint masters, and targeted outreach to academics, students, civil society, and cultural operators.
• Support for the international dimension of the Erasmus+ programme, enabling student and staff mobility, academic recognition, and higher education partnerships with third countries.
• Ongoing support for the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through policy dialogues, pilot projects, and technical assistance in climate, energy, and sustainable urbanisation.
• Promotion and support of circular economy initiatives, resource efficiency, and environmental protection in partner countries, including through dedicated actions, platforms, and regulatory cooperation in FTAs.
• Support for migration management and mobility cooperation with partner countries, in line with the European Agenda on Migration and the Partnership Framework with third countries.
• Implementation of targeted business support programmes for EU companies, especially SMEs, to improve market access and competitiveness in challenging markets, particularly in Asia and Latin America, leveraging the Enterprise Europe Network and COSME programme structures.
• Ongoing support for the development and implementation of digital policy frameworks, including cooperation on cybersecurity, digital governance, and the international dimension of the EU Digital Single Market.
• Active engagement in multilateral and regional fora (e.g., UN, G7, G20, WTO, CELAC) to promote EU interests, influence international agendas, and support the implementation of global agreements.
• Maintenance of a financial reserve within the PI to allow for swift and flexible responses to emerging policy objectives or unforeseen challenges in external relations.