Del UE Chile

On May 9, the EU Delegation to Chile hosted a reception at the emblematic GAM Cultural Center featuring 19 gastronomic stands hosted by EU Member States showcasing specialties from each country. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Alberto Van Klaveren, the Minister of Energy, Mr. Diego Pardow, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Ms. Karol Cariola, four Vice-Ministers, Ambassadors from EU Member States and other partner countries, along with over 300 invitees, from the public and private sectors, media and academia attended the event. Europe Day 2024 had strong social media visibility, including a video prepared by the EU DEL featuring short interviews from high-level attendees. Coinciding with the celebration, an Op-Ed penned by the Chargé d’Affaires a.i. and all 18 EU MS Ambassadors present in Chile was published on La Tercera. The piece emphasized the robust relationship between Chile and the EU across various aspects, including political cooperation, economic ties, and cooperation initiatives.
 

EU Del Chile

In recognition of this unique moment in EU- Chile relations and the role of the Congress in the upcoming ratification of the Advanced Framework Agreement – AFA (which is expected to be sent to the Congress in early June), the EU DEL held for the first time a Europe Day celebration at the Chilean National Congress. Over 50 parliamentarians attended, including the President of the Senate and the President of the Chamber of Deputies, the Presidents of the Commissions of Foreign Relations of both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, the President of the Finance Commission of the Senate, and the President of the Mixed Parliamentary Commission on EU-Chile Relations as well as the Minister and the two Vice-Ministers of Foreign Affairs, along with the 18 Ambassadors from EU Member States present in Chile. Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Quentin Weiler gave a brief speech emphasising the important moment in EU-Chile relations, the opportunities offered by the AFA and the long-standing role of the Chilean parliament as interlocutors in our diplomatic relations. The President of the Chamber of Deputies, Karol Cariola from the Communist Party, spoke about the richness of the EU-Chile relationship, mentioning European legislation as a source of inspiration, and emphasised that the new AFA should be ratified quickly. President of  Senate, Juan García Ruminot from the right-wing Renovación Nacional, echoed her messages, highlighting the relevance of the EU as a global actor and the importance of ratifying the AFA, for the benefit of both Chile and the EU. More information here and in a video published by Chilean Senate TV channel.
 

Del UE Chile

Additionally, throughout the month of May, the "UExtodoChile" initiative is taking place. Ambassadors and Chargé d’affaires from EU Member states and from the EU Delegation will each travel to a different Chilean regions (15 out of 16 will be covered). This outreach program will not only strengthen ties nationwide, but it will also focus on communicating on the tangible benefits of the Advanced Framework Agreement for citizens. Visits will include meetings with local authorities and speeches at regional Universities.