[23.07.08] Despite being re-elected in 2006, President Hugo Chávez is facing growing internal and external difficulties. Internally because of his defeat in the referendum over the reform of the constitution, more the result of abstention by his supporters than of advances made by the opposition. And externally because relations with Venezuela’s neighbour Colombia are becoming more difficult.

[18.06.08] The importance of the Spanish presence for Latin American economies is not only for the volume of its investment, but also from a qualitative point of view, given that it has been concentrated into strategic sectors for the development and welfare of the population. (From the introduction by José Luís Rodríguez Zapatero, Prime Minister of Spain).

[29.04.08] The intense military operations carried out in recent years by the Uribe government against the FARC are beginning to show positive results. However, there have also been negative ones, in the form of the deteriorating relations with Ecuador and Venezuela, the increasing risk of international isolation and the threat to the strategy of swapping prisoners for people kidnapped by FAR...

[01.11.07] Haiti is beginning to emerge from the chaos of recent years. This is a moment of relative stability that pres¬ents an opportunity to move towards a more sustainable path of economic growth, political development, and poverty reduction. But this is also a period of fragility and continued vulnerabil¬ity, and further advancement is by no means assured.

[04.07.07] The European Union and Brazil have decided to strengthen their bilateral links by establishing a strategic association. To this end, the first summit was held in Lisbon − coinciding with the commencement of Portugal’s presidency of the EU − at which the terms for the initiative were agreed.

[10.05.07] Following the demobilisation process of the paramilitary groups, the country is threatened by the increase in new armed groups involved in drug trafficking and other illicit activities. This situation endangers the government’s strategy for the demobilisation and integration of the paramilitary groups.

[1.12.06] The causes and consequences of public indebtedness in Latin America are analysed. Mechanisms are also suggested for enabling the countries to have a safer debt level.

[18.12.08] Tras seis años de crecimiento continuado, el ciclo de bonanza económica se acaba y las expectativas para 2009 son inferiores. En esos años mejoraron los indicadores del mercado de trabajo y disminuyó la pobreza. También se priorizaron los equilibrios macroeconómicos y la situación permite afrontar la crisis internacional en mejores condiciones.

[09.12.2008] Compared with the five-year period 2002-2007, the progress made in 2008 in the fight against poverty and destitution has been less successful. Forecasts for 2009 indicate a stagnation of the labour market owing to the downturn in the economy, resulting in a sharp drop in the amount of money coming into homes.

[14.11.2008] According to the study, Latin Americans feel more hopeful about the future, while at the same time they are becoming more critical of their societies. Despite its imperfect nature, democracy is being consolidated, partially and slowly, with about 50% backing. President Lula is viewed as being the best leader, and Daniel Ortega the worst.

[27.10.08] The repercussions of the international financial crisis are affecting all the regions in the world, and Latin America and the Caribbean will be no exception, especially from 2009 onwards. In spite of this, ECLAC has declared that the region's exports will continue to grow in 2008, at an approximate rate of 23%.

[28.10.2008] The report explains how fiscal policy can be a very effective tool for economic, political and social development in Latin America. The condition is that taxes should increase efficiently and fairly, and that spending should be aimed at promoting growth and reducing poverty and inequality.

[27.08.08] Despite the worsening external scenario, in 2008, the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean have completed six consecutive years of growth, with an estimated increase of 4.7% in the region's GDP. The most imminent future risks are an escalation in inflation and the possibility that the developed economies continue to decelerate.

[05.05.08] Foreign direct investment (FDI) in the region attained record figures in 2007, surpassing for the first time the $100,000 million mark. These funds were mainly spent on the search for natural resources and new goods and services markets. Meanwhile, overseas investment by Latin American companies is reaching unprecedented levels.

[31.12.07] The region shows macroeconomic stability in most countries, with growth and controlled inflation. This publication analyses the improvement in fiscal policy, funding for development, reform of pensions, the impact of foreign investment on telecommunications and the growing exchanges with China and India.