10/09/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/09/2025 10:20
Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela met with President Bernardo Arévalo of Guatemala during the Global Gateway Forum. The meeting reaffirmed the European Union's strong and forward-looking partnership with Guatemala, built on shared values, mutual trust, and joint ambitions for sustainable development and regional integration. The EU welcomes Guatemala's efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and highlights its readiness to deepen cooperation in areas including digital connectivity, electricity integration, sustainable transport, water and sanitation, and the circular economy.
Energy is a key sector for the partnership. The EU stands ready to support Guatemala's ambition to advance regional electricity integration through a European Investment Bank (EIB) loan of up to €250 million, which would enhance the Central American Electricity Market and provide a strong signal for European investors.
Digital cooperation will also expand. Building on Guatemala's active role in the EU-LAC Digital Alliance, the EU and Guatemala will move forward with the Memorandum of Understanding with Hispasat, signed in June 2025, which will bring satellite connectivity to underserved areas. Team Europe will support the implementation of the MoU, complementing the €82 million Digital and Inclusive Transition Team Europe Initiative already supporting Guatemala.
The green transition in Guatemala is another priority area for future investment. In the Petén department, Team Europe (Germany, Spain, Ireland, Sweden, France) is investing €51 million, including €40 million from the EU, to foster sustainable socio-economic development, waste and water infrastructure, tourism, agroforestry and the protection of the Mayan Forest. Cooperation will also continue in support of Guatemala's regional initiatives, including the Guatemala-Mexico-Belize Calakmul Declaration.
Further ahead, opportunities for circular economy projects are being identified, including large-scale investments in waste and water management infrastructure along the Motagua River Basin, one of the world's most polluted rivers.
EU - Guatemala partnership
The European Union and Guatemala are working together to create green jobs and develop skills for the future. Through Global Gateway, we are investing in the green transition, circular economy, water management, digitalisation and energy integration.
Global Gateway Forum
The Global Gateway Forum brings together leaders from the European Union and across the globe, alongside the private sector, civil society, thought leaders, financial institutions and international organisations to promote sustainable investment worldwide.
Global Gateway
Global Gateway is the EU's positive offer to boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems. Through a Team Europe approach, it aims to mobilise up to €300 billion in investments