ZARZALEJOS WELCOMES THE FAES LATIN AMERICAN LEADERS PROGRAM TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

The 23rd edition of the FAES Foundation’s Latin American Leaders Training Program began in Brussels with an agenda focused on gaining first-hand insight into the work of European institutions. The European Parliament was the central stop of the visit, where participants held a meeting with MEP Javier Zarzalejos, Director of the FAES Foundation.

Zarzalejos welcomed the group at the Parliament headquarters and engaged in a discussion on the European Union’s migration challenges, one of the core issues on the European legislative agenda. In his remarks, he outlined the progress of the new Pact on Migration and Asylum, the need to combine solidarity and responsibility in border management, and the importance of strengthening cooperation with Latin America to tackle human trafficking networks. He also emphasized the value of working with Latin American partners on a shared approach to mobility, security, and fundamental rights.

Zarzalejos’ participation formed part of a series of parliamentary seminars on relations between the European Union and Latin America. Alongside him, Borja Giménez Larraz spoke about trade agreements between the EU and MERCOSUR; Nicolás Pascual de la Parte outlined the main lines of the new European defence strategy; and Antonio López-Istúriz analyzed the future of transatlantic relations.

During their stay in Brussels, the young leaders also took part in training activities at the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies, focused on democratic resilience, disinformation, and the European integration process.

After their time in Brussels, the program continued in Madrid with political meetings and visits to institutions, companies, and media outlets. Since its creation in 2000, this FAES program has helped build a network of young leaders committed to democratic values, the rule of law, and cooperation between Europe and Latin America.