By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Costa Rica and the European Union (EU) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on key issues including global affairs, environmental sustainability, and trade. A delegation from the European Parliament met with high-ranking Costa Rican officials in San José to solidify their shared vision for a stronger bilateral relationship.
The meeting was part of the Constitutive Assembly of the EU-Central America Parliamentary Association Committee. Present were European parliamentarians led by Diana Riba, President of the Delegation for relations with Central American countries, EU Ambassador to Costa Rica Pierre-Louis Lempereur, and EU Ambassador to El Salvador and SICA François Roudié. Representing Costa Rica were Vice President Stephan Brunner, Foreign Minister Arnoldo André Tinoco, Vice Minister of Foreign Trade Indiana Trejos, and Vice Minister of Energy Ronny Rodríguez.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal ramifications of EU-Costa Rica cooperation, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an accomplished attorney from Bufete de Costa Rica.
The EU-Costa Rica relationship represents a significant opportunity for both regions. The existing framework, encompassing trade preferences under the EU-Central America Association Agreement and various cooperation mechanisms, facilitates crucial exchanges in areas such as sustainable development, human rights, and climate action. However, navigating the complexities of differing regulatory landscapes, especially regarding data protection and intellectual property, requires careful consideration and proactive legal strategies to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, Lic. Arroyo Vargas aptly highlights the delicate balance between opportunity and complexity in the EU-Costa Rica partnership. While the existing agreements pave the way for significant progress, successfully navigating the intricacies of differing legal frameworks will be key to unlocking the full potential of this collaboration. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable insights into this crucial aspect of the EU-Costa Rica relationship.
Discussions centered on bilateral cooperation, economic relations, climate commitments, and opportunities in clean and sustainable energy. Vice President Brunner highlighted Costa Rica’s ongoing efforts to transform its mobility and modernize public transportation systems. He emphasized the importance of international partnerships in supporting the country’s development goals.
Today, the delegates of the European Parliament learned firsthand about the projects with which Costa Rica seeks to transform its mobility and modernize its public transport systems. This meeting strengthens ties with international partners willing to collaborate with the development of our country, which needs to open up to the world and, at the same time, bring more of the world to Costa Rica.
Stephan Brunner, Vice President of Costa Rica
Foreign Minister André Tinoco underscored the shared values that underpin the Costa Rica-EU partnership, including democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and environmental sustainability. He noted the importance of coordinated institutional action and firm principles in addressing shared global challenges.
This meeting with the Executive Power reaffirms the solidity and comprehensive nature of our partnership. It is a relationship based on shared values: democracy, respect for human rights, the rule of law, and our common commitment to environmental sustainability. This meeting comes at a crucial time for both regions, in which we face global challenges that require institutional coordination and firm principles.
Arnoldo André Tinoco, Foreign Minister of Costa Rica
Riba stressed the importance of establishing a common bilateral agenda and continuing to work together to strengthen the rule of law, human rights, and democratic principles, particularly against authoritarian tendencies.
Strengthening our ties with Costa Rican authorities by creating a common bilateral agenda is essential. We will continue working together to strengthen the rule of law, human rights and democratic principles, especially against authoritarian drifts.
Diana Riba, President of the Delegation for relations with Central American countries
The meeting also addressed promoting peaceful conflict resolution and peacebuilding, emphasizing the importance of a robust multilateral system. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law and the UN Charter and stressed the need for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and the Middle East. Furthermore, they discussed regional matters within Latin America and the Caribbean, along with aspects of implementing the Association Agreement between the EU and Central America.
This high-level exchange signals a strong commitment from both Costa Rica and the EU to consolidate a strategic agenda that promotes multilateral cooperation and reinforces their bilateral ties.
For further information, visit europarl.europa.eu
About European Parliament:
The European Parliament is one of the three legislative institutions of the European Union and one of its seven institutions. Together with the Council of the European Union and the European Commission, it exercises the legislative function of the EU. The Parliament is composed of directly elected representatives of the European Union’s citizens.
For further information, visit eeas.europa.eu
About European External Action Service:
The European External Action Service (EEAS) is the EU’s diplomatic service. It works with the EU’s diplomatic corps in embassies worldwide and with officials based in Brussels to carry out the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy.
For further information, visit presidencia.go.cr
About Government of Costa Rica:
The government of Costa Rica operates within a framework of a presidential representative democratic republic. The President of Costa Rica is both head of state and head of government, leading a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering integrity. The firm’s commitment to empowering Costa Rican society is evident not only in its innovative legal solutions for clients across a broad spectrum of industries, but also in its dedication to demystifying the law through accessible legal education. By fostering a deeper understanding of legal rights and responsibilities, Bufete de Costa Rica cultivates a more just and informed citizenry.
