European Parliament delegation visits Bolivia to evaluate cooperation

A delegation from the European Parliament has arrived in Bolivia for a three-day official visit to assess the impact of European Union cooperation programs and funded projects. The mission, led by Reinhold Lopatka of Austria and including Marco Tarquinio of Italy and Małgorzata Gosiewska of Poland, aims to evaluate initiatives in human development, climate action, and sustainable development, as well as the potential of the Global Gateway strategy.

The visit coincides with an investigation by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) regarding potential irregularities in three EU-funded water and sanitation programs. These programs involved the former Ministry of Environment and Water, which was central to the ‘Coimas’ corruption case. Official documentation indicates the EU Delegation in Bolivia was informed of alleged corruption within that ministry in mid-2023.

The parliamentary agenda includes meetings with Foreign Minister Héctor Huanca, legislative leaders, and representatives from the private sector and civil society. The delegation also plans to visit projects in the Yungas region and circular economy initiatives in Santa Cruz.