Knowledge generation and new instruments in Triangular Cooperation between the European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean Co-funded by
The final publication of the SEGIB-EU project reflects on how Triangular Cooperation (TC) between the European Union (EU) and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) has evolved in an increasingly challenging global context. With the ending of the ADELANTE 2 Programme in 2026 and the consolidation of Global Gateway as a new European strategic framework, questions arise regarding this modality in the Ibero-American region: How to preserve and scale up the progress achieved in TC?
An ecosystem in transformation
The global overview of cooperation has drastically changed: cuts in Official Development Assistance, geopolitical tensions and new strategic priorities in the EU, with consolidated agendas on AI, green transition and digitalisation.
Even in this complex context, TC has consolidated itself as a flexible, horizontal modality capable of creating long-term alliances.
Using data on TC from SEGIB, the main trends identified in this modality in Latin America have been revealed:
growth of the modality in the region; greater diversity of partners; transition from specific actions to more robust projects; expansion into strategic sectors.
Six products, six complementary perspectives
The SEGIB -EU project has carried out sectoral analyses that offer a broad and strategic view of the potential of TC.
Environment: a priority area in TC
The LAC region is key to global climate action: it’s home to 60% of terrestrial biodiversity, vast water resources and one of the cleanest energy mixes in the world. TC in the environment presents:
strong capabilities in LAC countries as providers;
relevant opportunities in areas such as biodiversity, watershed management, waste, sustainable agriculture and green cities;
urgent challenges: funding, data, coordination, local participation and geopolitical risks linked to critical minerals.
Cooperation with other regions of the global south
LAC is the most dynamic region in TC, and although political, institutional and financial challenges persist, there is still enormous potential to expand interregional links with Africa, Asia and the non-Ibero-American Caribbean.
Opportunities identified: overlapping sectors between the TC carried out by the Global South: environment, productive sectors, institutional strengthening; LAC’s capacity to contribute well-established institutional frameworks and trust mechanisms.
Opportunities in Artificial Intelligence (AI)
TC can catalyse a more inclusive, ethical AI agenda adapted to the realities of Latin America and the Caribbean. The region currently primarily participates in the global AI value chain in a predominantly extractive manner; however, with public policies and strategic cooperation, the region can become a co-creator of technological solutions adapted to its own realities within the global AI value chain, working in areas such as: data interoperability; cybersecurity; adaptive regulation; shared computing infrastructure; talent and digital literacy.
Bi-regional scientific networks
Scientific networks have the potential to drive global public goods as these communities have historically served as bridges for bi-regional collaboration.
Networks in mathematics, astronomy, biotechnology and health are analysed, which not only create knowledge, but also generate trust, connect stakeholders and help to consolidate shared innovation ecosystems between the EU and LAC
Furthermore, based on previous analyses, the design of two thematic instruments is proposed to enhance TC in the region:
Proposal of TC instrument by and for Indigenous Peoples
An innovative model focused on participatory governance, recognition of rights and indigenous knowledge. It promotes agendas of identity, territory, sustainability and environmental justice.
Proposal of a Decentralised TC Instrument
Proposal to boost the role of cities and local governments through an agile mechanism that connects stakeholders, facilitates exchanges and promotes local solutions with a global reach.
Five thematic areas that connect all the studies
Focus on territories
TC has a greater impact when it starts from the territories and the stakeholders who inhabit them. The studies highlight that global challenges are resolved locally, that situated knowledge improves solutions and that cultural diversity, especially that of Indigenous Peoples, adds strategic value to cooperation.
Value chains and cross-sectoral agendas
Current challenges span multiple sectors. TC allows for the integration of environment, production, digitisation, social inclusion and innovation. Studies in AI, the environment and storyteller networks highlight opportunities in sustainable value chains, interoperable agricultural data and connected research ecosystems
Private sector as a key stakeholder
The private sector is not just a possible source of funding; it contributes innovation, technology, infrastructure and applied capacity. Its participation is key in AI, green transition, and science and technology. Working together requires transparency and appropriate governance and accountability frameworks.
Cooperation in strategic areas
The implications of cooperating in accordance with the priorities of the facilitating stakeholders’ agendas can, indirectly and over time, widen gaps in development.
The region faces technological, environmental, scientific and territorial gaps that condition the scope of TC. The studies highlight the risks of deepening inequalities and the need for strong regulatory frameworks, institutional capacities and equitable access to knowledge.
Potential for sustainable development
TC can contribute to the SDGs, but its potential is not guaranteed. There are strategic issues that create geopolitical risks, adaptation costs and asymmetries. Its transformative nature depends on a shared governance, balanced participation and a focus on sustainable development.
Structural challenges
TC faces a series of challenges linked both to structural factors in the region as well as institutional dynamics, unequal capacities and processes. Addressing these challenges involves making progress in strategic decisions, having clear regulatory frameworks, having adequate financial mechanisms and promoting a more inclusive governance.
Limited integration of TC in national strategic decisions. In some cases, sectoral and cooperation priorities do not fully incorporate TC as a structural tool, which can lead to discontinuous efforts and hinder the sustainability of initiatives
Complex access to funding and reduction of key mechanisms. The decrease in funding options intensifies competition for available resources and limits the development of new projects, especially those of an interregional nature.
Challenges in articulating the role of central governments with other stakeholders. Institutional frameworks tend to prioritise the participation of central governments, which can hinder the incorporation of local, sub-national and non-state stakeholders with strategic capabilities in the territory.
Multiple agendas and institutional overload. The coexistence of numerous initiatives and high demand for coordination can, in some contexts, exceed existing management capacity.
Complex administrative processes and extended deadlines. Formal requirements and lengthy procedures often cause delays that discourage partner participation and can affect the exploitation of political and technical opportunities.
Limited visibility and poor systematic evaluation of results. The lack of consolidated evidence on the effects, impacts and contributions of TC makes it difficult both to justify investments and consolidate it within public policies.
Looking ahead: possible futures of EU-LAC TC
Incorporating TC across all Global Gateway calls for proposals, taking advantage of regional programmes.
Using TC as a cog in broader funding chains, combining instruments, development banking and blended finance.
Transforming the way we cooperate, extending the principles of horizontality, co-creation and shared governance to other modalities.
Recommendations for leveraging this modality in a cooperation ecosystem facing growing challenges
Use TC as a way of interacting: promote longterm alliances, collective agendas and scalable pilot projects based on inclusion, horizontality and development objectives
Review how TC operates with agenda priorities and other modalities: evaluate adjustments to the modality, national needs, links with multilateral negotiations and management adjustments to ensure a more pressured and strategic ecosystem.
Analyse the priorities with the European offer: cross the Global Gateway axes with national and regional priorities; promote education on European programmes; facilitate comprehensive proposals.
Consider the component of generation and construction of narratives in knowledge management: ensure internal learning spaces, collaboration with researchers, process review and strategic dissemination of findings.
Deepen strategic analysis on critical issues: explore the implications of certain cooperation offers with hidden effects or distributional risks.
Carefully evaluate new instruments: consider benefits, pressures, possible inequalities and risks of the instrument becoming an end in itself.
TC is a strategic tool that can enhance sustainable development, digital autonomy, climate resilience and social agendas in Latin America and the Caribbean. Its impact will depend on political decisions, strategic vision and institutional capacity to adapt to the new bi-regional scenario.
