The analysis of joint results by the European Union and Costa Rica, through the EUROsociAL+ programme, was presented on 8 July 2021, with the participation of representatives of the institutions in both regions.
Photo: Minister of National Planning and Economic Policy, Pilar Garrido
For 15 years, Costa Rica has been actively participating in the EUROsociAL Programme, through a dual role that has allowed us to nurture the design and implementation of our public policies with the best existing practices in the European and Latin American spheres, at the same time as sharing with Latin America the progress made and lessons learned in terms of inequality in order to improve social cohesion policies. This long-term relationship has brought results and innovations for both parties at the sectoral and methodological level.
In industry, the gradual support for structural reforms to fight poverty and improve access to rights and services for the vulnerable populations reflects the progress made to date in reducing inequalities. We have also seen advances in fundamental issues such as the opening of governance for the construction of an Open State among the three powers of the State, where citizen participation and transparency and accountability are key elements for a real and inclusive democratic governance; and in the strengthening of policies for gender equality and the eradication of violence against women.
On the other hand, and from the point of view of the coordination and articulation of cooperation in the country, and in this case that of Mideplan as the National Focal Point for the Programme, this way of working has made it possible to combine the country’s demand, adjusted to the current pandemic and economic crisis, with the EUROsociAL’s mechanisms and instruments. This has been achieved through joint work, which has made it possible to achieve a large, coherent, multidimensional portfolio aimed at improving, promoting or creating public policy results. We have reached a structured dialogue because both parties have worked harmoniously using intersectorality, multidimensionality, and above all, the country’s strategic demand as methodological principles.
This experience shows that it is possible and necessary to work in concert, that successful results depend not only on a clear process but also on the definition of central intervention themes, accumulated knowledge (expertise), and the exchange of learning among peers (peer learning). Collaborative work is presented as strategic, it demonstrates its potential for learning specific content and for the development of transversal skills. In itself, the working scheme implemented is a successful experience. It comes from the political and technical will to adjust to current times, to seek new and better forms of collaboration, using the means and instruments available. We hope and trust that this work model can be replicated and refined and can become an example for the community of donors and other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Finally, we can point out that in the narrative of Development in Transition (DiT) – which Costa Rica welcomes – this work scheme is a concrete example of its application. It is a new, comprehensive and differentiated response tailored to the country’s conditions.
If international cooperation has an impact, it is not so much because of what international aid finances directly, but because of the type of stimuli for change that it promotes in the countries involved, that is, due to its catalytic effect in promoting change. I would like to thank the EUROsociAL Programme, the European Union Delegation to Costa Rica and the entire technical team that has participated in this experience for the vision and interest they have had in proposing for us a new and better form of cooperation. I would also like to thank the Costa Rican institutions involved for their vision, clarity and commitment.
