Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on recent developments in Ecuador

Source: Council of the European Union (Council) i, published on Thursday, October 17 2019.

The European Union welcomes the agreement reached by the President of Ecuador, Lenín Moreno, and representatives of the indigenous groups, supported by the United Nations and the Episcopal conference, which opened the way to the restoration of peace and public order in the country. The European Union deplores last week’s escalation of violence, especially the loss of life of eight persons involved in the protests. Social protest within the law is legitimate, but should remain peaceful and the response by law enforcement bodies proportionate.

The EU encourages the continuation of negotiations within the country's political and democratic institutions towards an agreement that reconciles the social needs of the population with the necessities of the ongoing economic reform process. Such an agreement would help the country to overcome the current polarization and return to stable political and economic conditions.

The EU is ready to continue supporting the Ecuadorean Government and people in upholding the democratic and constitutional order, in pursuing its process of reforms and in achieving sustainable and inclusive growth.

The Candidate Countries Turkey, Republic of North Macedonia*, Montenegro*, Serbia* and Albania*, the country of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Armenia and Georgia align themselves with this declaration.

*Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.