The event “Enhancing cross-regional security ties between the EU and the Latin American and Caribbean regional forum for dialogue and cooperation (CELAC ): Facing new challenges together”, organised by the European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS), brought together experts and policy makers to address key issues in EU-CELAC relations ahead of the upcoming Summit, due to take place in Santa Marta, Colombia, on 9 & 10 November 2025. The Summit aims to strengthen bi-regional cooperation and address global challenges, such as international security, climate change, and the green and digital transitions. Dr. Lazarou participated in the panel discussion “Strengthening Security and Defence Ties and Securing Supply Chains”, moderated by Giuseppe Spatafora, Research Analyst for Transatlantic Relations, EUISS. Other speakers included Oscar Palma, Associate Professor, Faculty of International, Political and Urban Studies, Universidad del Rosario, Colombia, and Renata Zilli, Researcher, European Centre for International Political Economy (ECIPE), based in Mexico. The discussion focused on enhancing security and defence collaboration between the EU and Latin American and Caribbean states, with particular attention to resilient supply chains and crisis preparedness. Dr. Lazarou stressed the opportunities created by the current uncertain geopolitical landscape, the changing nature of security and the rising importance of industrial policy and geoeconomics. At the same time, she highlighted the need to increase mutual understanding of priorities and interests, but also of the concept of security, between the two regions. She also drew attention to the need for a ‘relationship among equals’ including in the positioning of Latin American countries in global value chains. Among other things, the discussion addressed the role of the United States and China.
The event opened with introductory remarks by Steven Everts, Director of EUISS; H.E. Ambassador Gloria Navarrete, Ambassador of Chile to the European Union; and Christian Burgsmüller, Head of Regional Affairs, Americas Division, EEAS. It concluded with speeches by Cosmin Dobran, Director of Peace, Partnerships and Crisis Management, EEAS, and again by Steven Everts, and was attended by representatives from both regions. The European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS) research agency on security and defense, operates under the framework of the European External Action Service (EEAS) and reports to both the Council of the EU and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. ________________________________________________________
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