Copyright Yann Arthus-Bertrand

Since the conclusion in 1992 of the Framework Co-operation Agreement between the EU and Uruguay, bilateral relations have intensified, not only in economic terms (the EU is the biggest source of investment), but also politically. Regional integration, the environment and science & technology are all important issues for Uruguay. With regard to regional integration, in 1995 the EU and Mercosur signed a Framework Co-operation Agreement whose main objective is the preparation of an inter-regional association agreement.

Trade relations between the EU and Uruguay are important, with Uruguay consistently posting a surplus, mainly due to agricultural exports. Information on financial co-operation, can be found in the Country Strategy Paper for 2007-2013, which underwent a mid-term review in 2010 [81 KB] . EU grants aim to support two key priorities in Uruguay's development strategy: social and territorial cohesion, and innovation. In 2007 Uruguay became the first country in Latin America to adopt the European Digital TV standard (DVB).