Fair bi-regional cooperation for a green recovery: considerations derived from the case of lithium production in Argentina

Abstract

Different policies aimed at decarbonising the energy matrix are being promoted by many countries and regions. In Argentina, these policies translate into the advancement of projects related to the production of lithium and the generation of energy from renewable sources. In this essay we address the possibilities for cooperation between the European Union (EU) and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) in the context ofthe efforts to move towards a greener recovery.To do this, we look at a particular case "lithium production in Argentina" and we analyse the power asymmetries that exist between countries of the North and the Global South and their possible impacts on the cooperation between regions such asthe EU and the LAC. Suggesting a fair energy transition as a horizon, we propose theneed for a bi-regional cooperation based on horizontal and equitable principles, and weidentify three dimensions that the advancement of the cooperation must be based on.After pointing out some useful interregional tools for a greener recovery, we concludethat these proposals should include the collaborative design of different management instruments that allow for the decarbonisation of the current energy matrix and enable democratic, sustainable and decentralised access to energy.