The second summit between the European Union, the countries of Latin America and the countries of the Caribbean was held in Madrid from 17 to 18 May. It adopted a declaration conventionally dubbed the “Madrid compromise”. From a political point of view, the Madrid compromise emphasizes the need to reinforce the constitutional State, improve respect for human rights and “combat terrorism in every shape and form – that threaten democratic systems, civil liberties and development, as well as international peace and security – in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations and in full respect for international law”. Moreover, the final declaration pledges its signatories to strengthen their cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking, “eradicate racial discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance”, and promote equal opportunities and the well-being of children. In the economic and social field, the declaration makes further pledges to reduce the technology gap, extend access to education and healthcare and make qualitative improvements to social welfare systems. The summit also drew attention to the problems of immigration, to the capabilities of responding to natural disasters and to the prevention and treatment of AIDS. On the margins of the Madrid meetings (which also saw the signing of a bilateral accord of association between the EU and Chile), discussion also focused on the delicate situation of the crisis in Argentina, expressing the “total rejection of any unilateral measure of trade protectionism”. The Heads of State and of Government lastly gave a commitment that these policies would be implemented by the end of 2002, i.e. prior to the meeting on cooperation which will take place in Costa Rica in the autumn of 2003. The third EU – Latin America – Caribbean summit will be held in Mexico in 2004.
