The high representative of the European Union for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, warned this Monday that political violence in Ecuador, including the killing of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, makes it essential to restore public trust in the country’s institutions and its democratic system.
In a message published on his blog, he noted that this task will rest with the new government and the National Assembly, emphasizing that, more than in recent years, there is a need to find common ground and cooperate beyond ordinary differences for the country’s long-term interests.
He underscored that the first step is for citizens to have confidence in electoral processes. To that end, the European Union has deployed an independent mission of election experts to observe next Sunday’s elections and to assist in the training of local observers, aiming to strengthen transparency and accountability in the vote.
The head of EU foreign policy also reminded readers that leaders from the European Union and from the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States recently held their first summit in eight years in July, with a focus on boosting cooperation to confront organized crime. This issue is expected to feature prominently on the cross-regional agenda in the coming months.
He stated that the international fight against crime is a shared concern, noting that criminal networks and their local links operate across continents, generating similar patterns of illicit activity. He cited record cocaine seizures by Ecuadorian authorities, which align with the high volumes seen in European ports, illustrating the global scope of the problem and the need for coordinated action.
The former Spanish foreign minister highlighted that drug trafficking poses a threat to social stability in both Latin America and Europe, and he pointed out that corruption fuels erosion of democratic norms wherever it appears. Addressing these challenges requires sustained and practical measures that protect citizens on both sides of the Atlantic.
The message called for a more effective approach to disrupt drug trafficking, with the aim of improving living conditions for people from Europe to Latin America and reinforcing democratic governance in both regions. The idea is clear: even if Ecuador seems geographically distant from Europe, its stability and resilience are linked to a shared future built on the defense of democracy and the rule of law. The broader objective is to stand firm against crime and to support institutions that reflect the will of the people while ensuring fair and credible electoral processes for all.