Dear Hondurans and dear Europeans in Honduras:

I come before you excited about this stage in the land of Honduras, cradle of culture builders, poets and people who are fighters, resilient and, above all, very friendly. It is difficult to arrive in Honduras and not immediately realise that it is a country with a long history, woven from the Mayan culture, the indigenous and Afro-descendant peoples, and also the Spanish and European heritage.

Being in Latin America is a privilege because it is the region with which the European Union has the closest ties. Our relations are strategic in the new international context. Why? If we are geographically far away, in reality Latin America is closer to the EU than any other region in the world. Apart from our historical ties, we have a long-standing partnership, based on shared values and a joint commitment to defend democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law. Together, we represent one third of the membership of the United Nations and are 7 members of the G20. This common acquis unites us and helps us to effectively address our common challenges: drug trafficking, post-Covid recovery, climate change and the green transition, particularly relevant in Latin America because it is home to 50% of the world's biodiversity. Deep human, political, economic and cultural ties make us natural partners. In this sense, it is essential that we continue to look to the future, working as preferred partners who dialogue and consult on the basis of common interests, common challenges and mutual respect.

In Latin America we have one of the densest networks of political, cooperation and trade agreements. A prominent example is the Association Agreement (AA) between Central America and the European Union, the EU's first bi-regional agreement. The recent ratification of the Agreement in 2024 marked a turning point that boosted our trade and economic relations. Central America is a fundamental part of the EU's commitment to Latin America, where it invests more than Japan, India, Russia and China combined.

Thanks to the EU-Central America Association Agreement, trade in goods between the two regions has grown by 154%. Since 2012, exports from Honduras to the EU have grown by more than 50%, reaching a value of 1546 million euros (40832 million lempiras), and represent twice as much as imports, which has contributed to economic growth, which has allowed for greater income redistribution, and therefore more cohesion and social justice. I would like to highlight the contribution of Honduras, which, for example, was the first country in Latin America to sign a Voluntary Partnership Agreement on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (VPA-FLEGT) with the EU, with the aim of ensuring that timber products exported by Honduras to the European Union have a legitimate origin, not coming from illegal logging. 

The European Union is one of the main donors of cooperation for sustainable development in Honduras, with a portfolio of 28 bilateral projects and programmes valued at 179 million euros (around 4,918 million lempiras), in addition to 16 regional projects. My greatest wish is that, together, the European Union and Honduras will continue to write significant chapters in our relations for the benefit of our nationals. I would like to highlight our priority sectors of cooperation for the years 2021-2027: the fight against climate change and the sustainable management of natural resources, decent employment and economic growth, and, of course, the strengthening of the rule of law and democracy.

We must not forget that the EU exists by and for its member states. The common cooperation of the EU and its institutions is joined by that of its Member States (in particular those with resident Embassies in the country, which are Spain, Germany and France) and the whole of the private sector in the EU: we are in Honduras all together as Team Europe, to enhance our actions and maximise our impact. 

To reinforce this joint effort, the EU promotes the geopolitical strategy of Global Gateway: to promote and leverage investments for sustainable country projects, aligned with the needs of Honduras, linking the public and private sectors to generate tangible benefits for people and our planet, without generating dependencies. In this sense, we are focusing on supporting the sustainable recovery of Lake Yojoa and accompanying the construction of multipurpose dams, such as the El Tablón dam, Morolica, etc. In this way, we are strengthening the regional electricity market.

I invite you to continue browsing our website to see more details about all the activities we carry out in this great country that is Honduras. You will find, for example, information about our Erasmus scholarships. I encourage you to apply to continue your academic growth. Europe is waiting for you to continue your education.

In short, count on me and the team of this Delegation of the European Union, where Europeans and Hondurans work together to generate value for all Hondurans, in a constructive and respectful manner.

Thank you for your attention!

Follow me: @EUambHN