Recalibrating EU-Argentina relations: democracy under risk

Since Javier Milei became President, Argentina's political landscape has experienced a profound shift. A self-proclaimed libertarian and populist, Milei has challenged traditional political norms, raising concerns about democratic backsliding and human rights. His administration’s pivot away from international commitments, such as the 2030 Agenda, and its focus on deregulation and extractivist industries, have set Argentina on a new trajectory. With rising state control, restrictions on civil liberties, and increased mass surveillance, many are questioning the future of Argentina's democracy and its relationships with global partners.

This event will explore the key challenges and opportunities these changes pose for Argentina’s ties with the EU, as well as the broader implications for its role on the global stage. Join us for an in-depth conversation on the future of EU-Argentina relations, the state of democracy, and the global response to Argentina’s political shift.

Programme

Welcome & introduction by Joan Lanfranco, Head of Communications and Outreach, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union

Stocktaking of the first year of Milei's Presidency and panel discussion moderated by Marco Pérez Navarrete, Political Analyst, with:

• Beatriz Busaniche, Executive Director, Via Libre: a CSO focused on human rights with an emphasis on digital rights
• Cecilia Ales, Director - Institutional Development Area, CELS: one of Argentina’s leading democracy and human rights organisations
• Ariel Slipak, Research Coordinator, FARN: a CSO working on the intersection of human rights, the environment, and sustainable development
• Saskia Bricmont MEP, Greens/EFA in the European Parliament, member of the EP's Inter-parliamentary Delegation for relations with Mercosur
• Jimena Reyes, Director for the Americas, International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)

Q&A

Light lunch

Please register here.

Venue: Press Club Brussels Europe, Rue Froissart 95, 1040 Brussels.

Read more about our Argentinian civil society visit to Brussels on 14-18 October 2024.

Interpretation from Spanish to English available.

For more information, please contact Melanie Bernhofer (EN) or Joan Lanfranco (EN-ES).