Towards Euro–Latin American Industrial Cooperation: International Contours and Bi-regional Possibilities

Abstract

This paper analyses the possibilities for industrial cooperation between the European Union and Latin American countries within the framework of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). To this end, it first addresses the international dimension, examining how structural and agency-related factors largely shape the range of possibilities for interregional industrial cooperation. Subsequently, the analysis focuses on the interests and policies of both regions, as well as on the sectoral areas with the greatest potential for industrial cooperation, including green hydrogen, lithium, copper and other raw materials, as well as infrastructure and digital standards. Finally, the paper proposes a redefinition of European cooperation instruments—ranging from Association Agreements and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to the financial instruments of the Global Gateway and technical assistance channelled through regional programmes such as EUROCLIMA and Inclusive Societies—with the aim of strengthening transversal industrial policies in Latin American countries.