The Refresher Workshop “European Union, Mercosur and Argentina: Strategic challenges and opportunities in a changing world” This arises in a complex and volatile global context, in which the European Union seeks to expand its international leadership and deepen its strategic relationship with Latin America and the Caribbean. The implementation of the Mercosur Agreement, which begins its provisional application in May 2026, represents a unique opportunity, both for the region and for Argentina, opening new perspectives for cooperation and development. In this scenario, agents of change are needed who can channel these opportunities and transform them into concrete actions.
El Jean Monnet Module “European Union in Latin America and the Caribbean: from Brussels to Buenos Aires” of the School of Government of the Universidad AustralThis executive training program is organized by 25,5 hours duration with the aim of training and connecting decision-makers with international officials, professors, and renowned experts. Developed in hybrid modeThe workshop has five modules: Introduction to the European Union; Challenges and current political situation of Mercosur and its implications; The European Union and Mercosur in the new global political configuration; Economic and regulatory aspects of the European Union – Mercosur Agreement; and European Union in Argentina: opportunities for cooperation.
Direction and Organization: Jean Monnet Module of the Universidad Austral
➤ To train decision-makers on issues related to the European Union, the Mercosur-EU Agreement and Argentina-EU relations, with a practical approach;
➤ Connecting decision-makers with international officials, professors, and renowned experts; and
➤ To provide a participatory space where the actors involved can actively collaborate in the conception and development of projects linked to the European Union.
Timeline:
Approval requirements
75% attendance at the sessions and a short final essay
A certificate of completion will be awarded.
The European Union (EU) represents one of the most ambitious regional integration projects in modern history. Emerging from the ashes of the Second World War, the EU evolved from the European Coal and Steel Community (1951) into a political and economic bloc. With its 27 member states and a combined population of approximately 450 million, it is a unique model of governance, cooperation, and diplomacy. In this module, we will explore its fundamental principles, its main institutions, and how it functions in political, legal, and economic terms. We will also address its relationship with the world and its decision-making processes in various areas.
Since its founding in 1991, Mercosur has been key to the regional integration of the Southern Cone. However, it faces political challenges, internal tensions, and a changing global context that shapes its international projection. This module addresses its political, legal, and economic functioning, as well as its recent evolution. We will analyze the asymmetries among its members, the current limitations of the integration process, and possible future scenarios at a time when regional cooperation needs to be rethought.
In a world marked by competition between China and the United States, the European Union and Mercosur are seeking to reinforce their global relevance. The war in Ukraine and disruptions to supply chains have highlighted the need for reliable alliances, making cooperation between the two blocs even more strategically important. This unit analyzes the EU-Mercosur agreement from a geopolitical perspective: what does it mean for both blocs? How can it contribute to diversifying ties, promoting greater strategic autonomy, and revitalizing bi-regional dialogue?
The agreement between the European Union and Mercosur, signed in Asunción, Paraguay, in January 2026 and provisionally implemented since May 2026, aims to eliminate tariffs on approximately 90% of trade between the two regions. This module explores the economic and regulatory dimensions of the Agreement, including legal harmonization, required standards, and implementation challenges. It serves as a guide to understanding the opportunities and challenges this agreement presents for productive sectors and the future of bi-regional integration.
Cooperation between the EU and Argentina encompasses multiple dimensions. In the trade sphere, the EU is Argentina's third-largest trading partner and second-largest foreign investor, with interests in sectors such as energy, financial services, and agribusiness. Likewise, technical and scientific cooperation constitutes another important pillar of the bilateral relationship. In this section, we will explore the main opportunities offered by the European Union, examining European cooperation funds and their priority areas of interest.
| Alejandro Arroyo Welbers | Professor, Universidad Austral |
| Alejandro D. Perotti | Professor, Universidad Austral |
| alfonso santiago | Director, School of Politics, Government and International Relations, Universidad Austral |
| Hector Casanueva | Vice-President, Permanent Forum of the European Union-Latin America and the Caribbean |
| Jorge Srur | Regional Manager for the South, CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean |
| Jose Antonio Sanahuja | Professor of International Relations, Complutense University of Madrid |
| Juan Luis Manfredi | Professor of Journalism and International Relations, University of Castilla La Mancha |
| Juliet of San Felix | Professor, National University of La Matanza |
| Maria Gattinoni | Teacher, Universidad Austral |
| Mónica Velasco Pufleau | Adjunct Lecturer, University of Luxembourg — Research Associate at the Research Chair in Parliamentary Studies of the Luxembourg Chamber of Deputies |
| Paulina Astroza | Jean Monnet Professor, University of Concepción |
| Régis Dandoy | Professor Jean Monnet, San Francisco de Quito University |
| Santiago Ardisson | Module Coordinator Jean Monnet, Universidad Austral |
| Sofia del Carril | Professor and Director of the Master's Program in International Relations, Universidad Austral |
| Teresa Freixes | Vice-President, Royal European Academy of Doctors |
| Other special guests |
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