On 6 March, the III EU-CLASI ministerial meeting brought together Ministers of Interior and Security from the European Union and Latin America to reinforce cooperation in tackling global security challenges. The meeting resulted in the adoption of a Joint Declaration and a Roadmap for Operational Cooperation Priorities 2025-2026, marking a significant step forward in EU-CLASI collaboration.
The Declaration, building upon the framework established in May 2024, was adopted during a working lunch between EU and CLASI ministers as part of the Justice and Home Affairs Council (JHA) under the Polish Presidency. Organised with the support of EL PACCTO 2.0 programme, the ministerial meeting focused on strengthening the fight against serious and organised crime, drug trafficking, and other high-impact criminal activities. It reaffirmed CLASI’s role as a key partner for the EU in enhancing law enforcement cooperation with Latin America and the Caribbean. CLASI (Latin American Committee on Internal Security), comprising 16 Latin American nations, plays a crucial role in international security efforts.
Key highlights of the EU-CLASI joint declaration:
- Strengthened efforts to combat high-impact criminal activities, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, firearms smuggling, cybercrime, and financial crimes
- A commitment to dismantling criminal networks, tracing illicit money, and combating corruption
- Support for the Community of Police of the Americas (AMERIPOL) to enhance transatlantic law enforcement cooperation
- A call for EU and CELAC leaders to endorse the cooperation framework at the upcoming EU-CELAC Summit in November 2025
- Emphasis on incorporating a gender perspective in the fight against organised crime
EU-CLASI meetings in Brussels were followed by an official visit to EUROPOL and EUROJUST in The Hague, leading to future actions to strengthen judicial and law enforcement cooperation between both regions, that will also be supported by EL PACCTO 2.0 programme.
The EU is committed to deepening its security partnership with Latin America, ensuring joint responses to shared security threats and reinforcing operational cooperation for a safer global environment.
More info on the III EU-CLASI Ministerial Declaration
