Emphasising the need for the EU to stop pushing neoliberal policies in its relations with Latin America at the European Parliament, Left MEPs have called for relations between the continents to be based on equality and respect.

The Strasbourg plenary chamber was the venue for a debate on a report on the topic with the European Commission.

“It’s a shame that because of changes made by the right-wing groups in this parliament, this report bears the marks of neo-colonialism”, MEP Javier Couso said. “It’s no good trying to export policies to other continents when we haven’t even dealt with our own problems. Instead we should be looking for cooperation and exchange between equal partners.”

Also speaking in the debate, MEP Tania Gonzalez criticised the current EU model for free trade agreements.

“Instead of opening the door to beneficial relations for both sides, these deals build walls that exacerbate inequalities. We must promote respect for human rights as a non-negotiable common denominator in all trade agreements.”

The Lopez report ‘EU Political Relations with Latin America’ will be put to the vote on Wednesday.