A new social contract for Latin America is needed, ensuring political accountability, inclusion, social protection and quality employment, said the EESC in an own-initiative opinion on the post-COVID socio-economic situation in Latin America adopted last December. Freely and democratically organised civil societies are the best starting point.

The COVID-19 pandemic hit Latin America extremely hard, unveiling the weaknesses of the policies implemented over decades, which proved ineffective in facing the current challenges. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has exacerbated the economic turbulence by upsetting global delivery chains and contributing to increasing inflation.

The opinion, entitled "Socio-economic situation in Latin America following the Covid-19 crisis – the role of civil society in the recovery process", considers that the region needs a new social contract, which could be achieved through cross-cutting agreements between socio-economic groups, between regions and between generations.

Commenting on the role of civil society, EESC member and rapporteur for the opinion Josep Puxeu Rocamora stressed: "Europe and Latin America are committed to democracy and the rule of law, which means that civil society will be actively involved, playing a leading role in development and in overcoming crises, promoting the necessary dialogue for a new social contract".

Europe needs to strengthen its bonds with Latin America, especially focusing on the social, green and digital transitions. "We urgently need to invest in more efforts to build alliances with like-minded partners in Latin America," said Mr Puxeu Rocamora. "We have taken this relationship for granted for too long. We have to make an effort to catch up as we are facing strong competition from other actors right now".

This alliance requires the full recognition and participation of its organised civil societies, human rights organisations, trade union and business organisations, and environmental associations, said the EESC. (at)