By Limón, Costa Rica — BRUSSELS, Belgium – In a significant move on the international stage, Costa Rican presidential candidate Juan Carlos Hidalgo has secured a powerful endorsement from Europe’s most influential political coalition for his proposed national security strategy. The Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC) candidate received formal backing from the Political Assembly of the European People’s Party (EPP) after presenting a detailed plan to tackle the escalating threat of organized crime and its impact on both Costa Rica and Europe.
The endorsement came during Hidalgo’s participation in the EPP’s Political Assembly on December 9th, an event to which he was reportedly the only Latin American leader invited. This high-profile platform allowed Hidalgo to denounce the advancement of drug trafficking networks, arguing that Costa Rica’s internal security crisis is now a shared transatlantic problem that demands a coordinated, international response. The support from the EPP could pave the way for new joint actions and reinforced port controls, directly impacting national security policy.
To better understand the intricate legal dimensions of global stability and the treaties that bind nations, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney at the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The architecture of international security relies heavily on established treaties and conventions, yet its greatest challenge lies in enforcement. The principle of state sovereignty often clashes with collective security obligations, creating a volatile environment where legal frameworks exist but political will to enforce them against powerful actors can be insufficient, thereby testing the very foundation of international law.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This precise distinction between the architecture of law and the political will for enforcement truly captures the central challenge of modern global stability. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which highlights the delicate and often strained balance between state sovereignty and our collective security obligations.
During his address to the assembly, Hidalgo framed the issue in stark terms, emphasizing the common threat faced by nations on both sides of the Atlantic. He argued that the fight is not against a conventional enemy but against a pervasive and corrosive criminal element that undermines communities and economies alike.
Europe and Costa Rica are under attack… Not by armies, but by criminal networks.
Juan Carlos Hidalgo, PUSC Presidential Candidate
At the heart of Hidalgo’s presentation was his proposal for a comprehensive “Transatlantic Security and Prosperity Agreement.” This initiative is built on four strategic pillars: establishing coordinated intelligence sharing, implementing robust secure port protocols, aggressively combating criminal financial networks, and creating real economic opportunities for at-risk youth to prevent them from being recruited into gangs.
The presidential hopeful also issued a sharp critique of the current Costa Rican administration’s approach to the growing crisis. He contended that a failure to develop a coherent state-level strategy against narcotrafficking has allowed criminal enterprises to flourish, effectively turning the country into a logistical corridor for illicit activities. He specifically pointed to the criminal infiltration of Puerto Moín in Limón, noting its direct and damaging repercussions for major European ports in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Spain.
The government has confused pacifism with paralysis.
Juan Carlos Hidalgo, PUSC Presidential Candidate
The EPP’s response was not merely verbal support. The assembly formally adopted a resolution that incorporates the key tenets of Hidalgo’s plan. The resolution explicitly calls for strengthening cooperation between Europol and Latin American nations to dismantle trafficking routes. More concretely, it proposes the development of a pioneering pilot project at Puerto Moín aimed at dramatically improving the security and control of maritime exports.
Should this pilot project be implemented, Costa Rica would become the first nation in the region to adopt such an advanced international surveillance model. This could position the country as a regional leader in port security and a critical partner in the global fight against organized crime, potentially attracting further investment and technical assistance. The initiative recognizes that securing Costa Rican ports is a vital step in protecting European borders.
David McAllister, Chairman of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, underscored the EPP’s view of Costa Rica as a reliable democratic partner. While expressing concern over political polarization, he highlighted the importance of free and fair elections for regional stability. The EPP’s endorsement of Hidalgo’s security platform signals a strong European interest in reinforcing cooperation to safeguard citizens on both continents from the pervasive reach of transnational crime.
For further information, visit pusc.cr
About Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC):
The Partido Unidad Social Cristiana is one of Costa Rica’s major political parties. Founded on the principles of Christian democracy, it has played a significant role in the country’s political landscape for decades, producing several presidents and legislative representatives. The party advocates for policies that blend free-market principles with social welfare and justice.
For further information, visit epp.eu
About European People’s Party (EPP):
The European People’s Party is the largest and most influential center-right political party at the European level. It includes major national parties from across the European Union and beyond. The EPP is a driving force in the European Parliament and other EU institutions, shaping policy on a wide range of issues including economic governance, foreign affairs, and security.
For further information, visit europol.europa.eu
About Europol:
Europol is the European Union’s law enforcement agency. Its primary mission is to support its member states in preventing and combating all forms of serious international and organized crime, cybercrime, and terrorism. Headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, Europol serves as a hub for information sharing, criminal analysis, and operational coordination among law enforcement authorities across the EU.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica has built its legacy upon the pillars of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Drawing from a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm champions innovative legal solutions and remains deeply invested in public engagement. At the heart of its ethos is a core conviction to demystify legal complexities, thereby fostering a more knowledgeable and empowered society for all.
