From 17 to 19 March I was on a European Parliament mission to Chile as part of the 28th EU-Chile Joint Parliamentary Committee. The delegation of 10 MEPs from various political groups visits Santiago de Chile and Valparaíso, engaging with ministers, local lawmakers, diplomats, business leaders, and civil society representatives. This is the first official visit since the European elections and the EU-Chile trade agreement’s entry into force.
Chile is Latin America’s strongest economic and business hub, the world’s largest copper producer, and the second-largest producer of lithium—critical raw materials for European industries, from technology to automotive. Chile also presents strategic opportunities in renewable energy, particularly in green hydrogen.
Beyond trade, Chile and the EU face shared challenges—organised crime, illegal immigration, and security threats—issues of critical importance to citizens. The new trade deal, which took effect on 1 February, will deepen economic ties, with 99.9 per cent duty-free access for EU exports, potentially increasing trade by €4.5 billion. It also improves EU market access in telecommunications, maritime transport, finance, and Chilean public procurement, while ensuring greater access to critical raw materials and clean fuels.
Unfortunately, China has positioned itself as Chile’s dominant trade partner—a geopolitical reality Europe cannot afford to ignore. Strengthening the EU-Chile partnership is not just economic but strategic. The global landscape requires European leadership that is pragmatic, assertive, and focused on securing our strategic interests.
