The EPP Political Assembly,

Considering that the European Union is operating in an increasingly competitive and uncertain global environment marked by strategic rivalry and evolving security threats;

Recalling that in this geopolitical context, Europe must rely on trusted and values-based partners, and that Latin America—anchored in democracy, human rights, and shared cultural and historical bonds—stands as a natural and indispensable ally;

Recognising that both regions face common challenges in addressing cross-border threats such as organised crime and drug trafficking;

Noting that Europe remains the world’s largest consumer market for cocaine, with 419 tonnes seized in 2023 by EU Member States—an all-time record—and that these flows originate mainly from or transit through Latin America;

Acknowledging that a significant increase in drug-related crime has been observed in Western European countries and that gang violence and shootings in broad daylight have become a concerning new phenomenon in several major cities;

Taking note that in recent years Costa Rica has become a logistical centre of transit for the distribution of cocaine to Europe and that, in June 2025, an operation coordinated by Europol dismantled a transnational criminal organisation responsible for trafficking tons of cocaine into the European continent;

Recognising further that cooperation with reliable partners such as Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, Brazil, and others can play a decisive role in disrupting criminal networks and ensuring the integrity of maritime supply chains;

Welcoming the recently enhanced cooperation between Europol and Latin America through strategic partnerships and agreements, including the visit of the Latin American Committee for Internal Security (CLASI) to Europol headquarters and the signing of Memoranda of Understanding on police and security cooperation—such as the EU–Ecuador MoU (2025)—as steps towards a deeper and more structured transatlantic partnership;

Stressing that the European People’s Party has always been a frontrunner in strengthening Europe’s global partnerships based on democracy, rule of law, free enterprise, and shared security;

Therefore, the EPP:

1. Calls on the European Commission and the High Representative to integrate a dedicated Latin America chapter in the upcoming EU Internal Security Strategy, focused on:

• strengthening operational and intelligence cooperation on organised crime, drug trafficking, and money laundering;

• supporting joint investigation teams, judicial coordination, and law-enforcement training;

• enhancing maritime and port security collaboration to prevent illicit flows at their origin or transit points.

2. Proposes the development of a comprehensive EU Ports and Maritime Security Strategy, incorporating Latin American partners to ensure the security and efficiency of transatlantic trade. This strategy should:

• establish a network of partner ports in Latin America—including Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, and Brazil—as early-warning and cooperation nodes;

• promote digital risk-profiling systems and real-time data-exchange mechanisms between customs and law-enforcement agencies;

• foster public-private cooperation to modernise port logistics while ensuring transparency and competitiveness.

3. Supports the implementation of joint in situ projects between Europol and Latin American countries aimed at controlling and monitoring exports directed to Member States of the European Union in order to contain drug flows towards Europe. In this context, considers that Puerto Moín in Costa Rica, due to the concerning drug-related situation in the country, could be the subject of a Europol pilot project that may later be extended to other countries in the region.

4. Calls upon the European Parliament and national parliaments to reinforce inter-parliamentary cooperation mechanisms ensuring political oversight, democratic accountability, and the promotion of the rule of law in all joint initiatives.

5. Requests that the EPP Presidency report to the next Congress on progress in advancing this agenda.