Guatemala enjoys a comprehensive relationship with the EU that encompasses political dialogue, a broad cooperation framework and a favourable trade regime with the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP+).

The EU has been the main contributor to Guatemala in the implementation of the Peace Accords and since 1984 Guatemala is part of the inter-ministerial San José Dialogue between Central America and the European Union.

A Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement [105 KB] signed in Rome in 2003, was followed by the decision in 2004 during the Guadalajara Summit, to conclude an Association Agreement including a Free Trade Agreement. The negotiations were officially opened in June 2007.

The EU supports Guatemala's efforts to reduce poverty, reinforce the rule of law and promote regional integration. Over the past years, the EU has substantially increased its development cooperation with Guatemala. The 2007-2013 EU Country Strategy [2 MB] foresees € 135 million in support of: 1) social cohesion and human security (good management of public funds, justice and security, support to youth population - in particular in favour of employment and crime prevention); 2) economic growth and trade, including food security and regional integration. In this framework, the EU also contributes to the financing of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) and will further support its activities through a bilateral programme in the area of justice reform.

Finally the EU supports a number of initiatives of the civil society in several fields, particularly human rights, local development and environment.

• Mid-Term Review of the Country Strategy Paper 2007-2013 for Guatemala [18 KB] and the National Indicative Programme 2011-2013 for Guatemala [343 KB]