Latin America

The energy transition in the Global North risks being anything but just without structural changes to supply chains and the governance of extractive industries.

Rooted in indigenous traditions, the concept of buen vivir has gained prominence in Latin America. We explore its rising trajectory and influence in Europe.

It is time for Europe to fulfil its desired role as a standard-bearer in environmental, social and gender-based protection.

Still to be ratified, the EU-Mercosur agreement could entrench centuries-old inequality between the two regions, as well as threaten the planet.

This interview on eco-social struggle in Latin America highlights the importance of social movements and warns against the illusion of change from above.

The European Union has to revive its alleged climate leadership, build up trust and confidence, and form coalitions in order to make the 2015 Climate Summit (COP21) in Paris a success. Together, the EU and Latin American and Caribbean countries make up almost one third of the parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. An alliance between Europe and Latin America could revive and lead the negotiations towards a fair and ambitious global climate deal in Paris.

Since 2000, the EU has deployed about 140 election observation missions. Below you can read my experiences as EU EOM-Chief Observer for the 2013 general elections in Honduras.

The rise of the radical Podemos party in Spain raises some serious questions for the Greens and all progressive parties and movements. We should look deeply at the party’s platform, leadership and policies and draw lessons from its rise – rather than resorting to pointless name-calling.

In spite of the similarities between their constitutional and social welfare institutions, Brazil receives little consideration from the EU as a mediator between the global North and the global South. It is time for a re-think.

Initiatives such as the Agenda for a Sustainable World Cup and the “Green Goal” program aim to reduce carbon emissions at this summer’s event, yet serious questions remain as to whether they promote genuine sustainability and benefits for the population in Brazil.