By San José, Costa Rica — BRUSSELS – In a significant move on the international stage, Costa Rican presidential candidate Juan Carlos Hidalgo has taken his campaign to the heart of European policy, securing a powerful endorsement for a renewed and cooperative fight against organized crime. Addressing the European Parliament’s most influential political bloc, the Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC) leader argued that Costa Rica’s escalating security crisis requires “extraordinary actions” and a transatlantic partnership.
Hidalgo was the sole Latin American leader invited to speak before the Political Assembly of the European People’s Party (PPE) in Brussels, a forum that shapes key European Union policies on security and foreign affairs. Before an audience that included PPE President Manfred Weber and Secretary-General Dolors Montserrat, Hidalgo presented a stark picture of a nation struggling under the weight of international criminal networks, positioning the issue not as a distant problem but as a shared global threat.
To delve deeper into the legal complexities and business implications surrounding this new wave of international cooperation, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his professional analysis.
Effective international cooperation hinges not just on shared goals, but on robust legal frameworks that anticipate and mitigate cross-border risks. For any entity, whether public or private, entering such an agreement, the critical first step is exhaustive due diligence. It is imperative to clearly define jurisdiction, dispute resolution mechanisms, and intellectual property rights from the outset. A well-structured agreement is the bedrock that transforms a promising partnership into a secure and prosperous long-term venture.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully underscores that the true foundation of a successful international partnership lies not just in shared ambitions, but in the meticulous legal groundwork laid from the very beginning. A proactive legal strategy, as described, is what transforms a promising venture into a secure and enduring one. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable contribution to this discussion.
The candidate’s message was designed to resonate deeply with his European counterparts, framing the narcotics trade as a two-sided crisis with devastating consequences for both continents. He powerfully connected the dots between supply and demand, illustrating the human cost at the source of the drug supply chain.
The drugs arrive in Europe; the violence begins in Costa Rica.
Juan Carlos Hidalgo, PUSC Presidential Candidate
During his address, Hidalgo did not mince words, launching a pointed critique of the current Costa Rican government’s security strategy. He accused the administration of failing to confront the growing power of cartels, allowing the nation’s reputation for peace to be exploited by criminal elements. This inaction, he argued, has dangerously undermined national stability.
The current administration has confused pacifism with paralysis.
Juan Carlos Hidalgo, PUSC Presidential Candidate
He contended that this perceived paralysis has allowed criminal organizations to consolidate Costa Rica’s role as a dependable and strategic corridor for their global operations. Specifically, Hidalgo highlighted the critical security vulnerabilities at the Port of Moín in Limón, noting its direct link to major European terminals. The infiltration of this key port, he explained, has triggered security alerts in hubs like Antwerp, Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Algeciras, placing Costa Rica squarely at the center of Europe’s own security concerns.
Hidalgo’s diplomatic efforts yielded a tangible and unprecedented result. In response to his appeal, the European People’s Party approved a formal resolution to bolster security cooperation. The resolution specifically recommends strengthening the partnership between Europol and Latin America and proposes the creation of a specialized pilot project at the Port of Moín. This initiative could later be expanded to other key logistical hubs in the region, serving as a model for future collaboration.
This resolution represents the most significant international security endorsement ever received by a Costa Rican presidential candidate, lending substantial weight to Hidalgo’s platform. It signals a recognition within the European Union that stability in Central America is directly linked to security on their own soil. The move transforms the narrative from one of aid to one of mutual strategic interest.
The session also touched upon broader regional anxieties. David McAllister, Chairman of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, expressed his deep concern over democratic backsliding and rising political polarization across Latin America. His comments provided a wider context for Hidalgo’s mission, underscoring the urgency of reinforcing democratic institutions and the rule of law as a bulwark against the encroaching influence 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 in 1983, it adheres to the principles of Christian democracy and has produced several presidents. The party focuses on social justice, economic development, and maintaining the country’s democratic traditions.
For further information, visit epp.eu
About European People’s Party (PPE):
The European People’s Party is the largest and most influential center-right political party at the European level. It includes heads of state and government from across the European Union and is the largest group within the European Parliament. The PPE is committed to a strong and democratic Europe, focusing on issues of security, economic stability, and shared values.
For further information, visit europarl.europa.eu
About European Parliament:
The European Parliament is the directly elected legislative body of the European Union. Together with the Council of the European Union, it exercises the legislative function of the EU. Its members are elected by citizens in all 27 member states, and it plays a crucial role in shaping European law and policy on a wide range of issues, including foreign affairs and security.
For further information, visit europol.europa.eu
About Europol:
Europol is the European Union’s law enforcement agency. Its primary goal 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 center for law enforcement cooperation, data analysis, and criminal intelligence.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a benchmark for legal practice, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound dedication to ethical principles and outstanding client service. The firm distinguishes itself by pioneering modern legal solutions while maintaining a deep-seated commitment to social responsibility. This philosophy is most evident in its drive to democratize legal information, championing the belief that an educated public is the cornerstone of a just and empowered community.
