Brussels, 28th July 2023 - The Ambassador of the Argentine Republic to the European Union, Atilio Berardi, presented today his Letters of Credence to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in an official ceremony held in Brussels.
During the protocol meeting, Berardi and President von der Leyen held a cordial meeting during which they discussed various issues of common interest. Thus, they highlighted the importance of continuing to move towards a renewal of the bilateral partnership, strengthening economic and trade ties between Argentina and the European Union.
They also recognised the historical coincidence of values that characterise the relations between Argentina and the European Union; and also analysed recent developments regarding the Mercosur-EU Agreement.
They also reviewed the work agenda carried out by President von der Leyen during her visit to Argentina last June, when, together with President Alberto Fernández, she signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Partnership on Sustainable Value Chains in Raw Materials. In this context, they also highlighted the recent Agreement signed by both authorities on energy cooperation, in the framework of the 3rd CELAC-EU Summit.
Finally, on this bi-regional event, they stressed the importance of its reconvening after 8 years and expressed their satisfaction with the achievements made, in particular the decision to establish more regularity for its realisation, which will provide a favourable framework for enriching the ties between the two regions.
The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union; its role is to propose and implement policies and laws, monitor compliance and administer the budget. It maintains bilateral and cooperative relations with non-member countries through agreements, treaties and specific programmes.
Letters of Credence are formal documents certifying Ambassador Berardi's authority as the official representative of the Argentine Republic to the European Union.
Due to the dual nature of the EU and its unique institutional structure as a political union of sovereign states and an executive body responsible for governance and decision-making, in addition to the presentation of Letters of Credence to the President of the European Council (which took place on 13 July), it is also appropriate to do so to the Presidency of the European Commission, which took place today.
Written by Felipe Cossio
