Politics

Elias Castillo: A Stalwart of Latin American Legislative Leadership

Published

7 months ago

August 25, 2024

elias-castillo:-a-stalwart-of-latin-american-legislative-leadership

Latin America has always been known for its political landscape and intricate legal systems and few leaders represent the ideals of collaboration and legislative proficiency as well as Elias Ariel Castillo González. With more than thirty-five years dedicated to politics, Castillo is widely recognized for his commitment, honesty and strong leadership qualities. His present position, as the Executive Secretary of the Latin American Parliament (Parlatino) signifies a moment in a career shaped by a steadfast dedication to serving the public. The closest big event supported by Castillo, which will take place in September, aims to united civil society, politics, parliamentarians, academia and media, to join efforts in protecting and advancing freedom of religion or belief.

A Storied Career

Elias Castillo’s journey in politics began in Panama, where he quickly ascended the ranks due to his sharp intellect, strategic acumen, and deep connection with the people. His tenure in the National Assembly of Panama is particularly noteworthy, with him being elected as its president on three separate occasions. Such a record is a testament to his leadership skills and the trust he garnered from his peers.

The prestige of his career in Panama naturally extended to the broader Latin American arena. Castillo has been a dedicated member of the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (Parlatino) for several terms. He served as president of Parlatino three times—a rare achievement that highlights his influence and effectiveness in fostering legislative dialogue and cooperation across national borders.

Leadership in Parlatino

As the Executive Secretary of the Latin American Parliament, Castillo’s role is multifaceted. It involves not only steering the legislative agenda but also ensuring that the diverse interests of member states are represented and reconciled. Under his stewardship, Parlatino has undertaken significant initiatives aimed at enhancing regional integration, promoting democratic governance, and addressing pressing issues such as climate change, human rights, and economic disparity.

Castillo’s leadership is marked by an inclusive approach. He strives to bring together legislators from different political, social, and economic backgrounds, fostering a collaborative environment where comprehensive and sustainable policies can be crafted. His vision extends beyond immediate legislative concerns to encompass long-term regional stability and prosperity.

A Visionary for the Future

One of Castillo’s most commendable traits is his forward-looking vision. He understands that the challenges facing Latin America—be they economic, environmental, or social—require innovative and collaborative approaches. He has been a vocal advocate for leveraging technology in governance, improving transparency, and enhancing public participation in legislative processes.

Elias Castillo’s work also reflects a deep commitment to social justice. He has consistently championed the rights of marginalized communities, advocating for policies that promote equality and inclusivity. His efforts in this regard are not confined to rhetoric but are evident in the tangible legislative measures he supports and the initiatives Parlatino has undertaken under his guidance.

Elias Castillo stands out as a paragon of legislative excellence in Latin America. His extensive career, marked by significant accomplishments both in Panama and on the regional stage, highlights the vital role of dedicated and visionary leadership in shaping the future of the region. As Executive Secretary of the Latin American Parliament, Castillo continues to lead with integrity, fostering a spirit of cooperation and championing the causes of democracy and development.

In the ever-evolving political landscape of Latin America, Elias Castillo remains a steadfast figure, piecing together the diverse and intricate mosaic of regional governance with unyielding dedication and unparalleled expertise.

Author

Avery Thompson

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Politics

President Costa to travel to Paris, Strasbourg, and Samarkand (31 March – 4 April)

Published

14 hours ago

March 31, 2025

Nicole Edenedo

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Nicole Edenedo

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Politics

ECCC to finance EUR 390 million in cybersecurity projects under Digital Europe Programme for 2025-2027

Published

14 hours ago

March 31, 2025

Terry Zeller

Priorities for investment range from new technologies for cybersecurity, including on AI and post-quantum transition, to actions for improving EU cyber resilience and supporting SMEs.

The adoption of the DEP WP 2025-2027 constitutes a fundamental instrument for the implementation and advancement of the mission of the ECCC. The Centre aims to pool investment in cybersecurity research, technology, and industrial development, and ensure the efficient implementation of projects and initiatives in coordination with the Network of National Coordination Centres (NCCs).

During 2025-2027, the ECCC will continue to finance uptake and deployment actions in cybersecurity by the means of calls for proposals. The programme is structured as follows:

New technologies, AI and post-quantum transition

Dedicated actions will support entities in developing and deploying systems and tools for cybersecurity based on AI (including GenAI based technologies), reliable, secure and resilient AI models and algorithms or build the European testing infrastructure for the post quantum transition.

These enabling technologies should allow more effective creation and analysis of Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI), automation of large-scale processes, as well as faster and scalable processing of CTI and identification of patterns that allow for rapid detection and decision making.

It will also include actions aimed at improving industrial and market readiness for the cybersecurity requirements for SMEs as specified in relevant EU cybersecurity legislation and to ensure the development and use of more secure hardware and software products.

Cyber Solidarity Act Implementation

The ECCC will contribute to the creation of the European Cybersecurity Alert System (ECAS) foreseen in the Cyber Solidarity Act, to build and enhance coordinated detection and common situational awareness capabilities at European level. In this regard, a pan-European network of national and cross-border Cyber Hubs will be established. The ECCC will support preparedness activities, part of the Cybersecurity Emergency Mechanism and the mutual assistance mechanisms foreseen in the Cyber Solidarity Act.

Additional actions improving EU cyber resilience

The ECCC will support the integration of relevant cybersecurity requirements deriving from several regulations and directives: NIS 2 directive, Cyber Resilience Act, CSA, DORA, GDPR, AI Act as required. It will contribute to the EC priorities, including to support the cybersecurity of hospitals and healthcare providers in alignment with the Action Plan. In addition, it is envisaged to provide support to improve the resilience and security of the infrastructure critical for global communications and solutions to cover the surveillance and protection of critical undersea infrastructure, such as submarine cables, as well as the detection of malicious activities around them.

ECCC Executive Director Luca Tagliaretti said: “The first ECCC Cybersecurity Work Programme is an important milestone in our establishment as key player in the EU cybersecurity landscape. The funding available will support innovation and deployment of technologies in Europe and contribute to the common goal of building a cyber resilient EU.”

Background

The ECCC implements the ‘Specific Objective 3: Cybersecurity and Trust’ from the DEP Regulation (EU) 2021/694. This is the first DEP Work Programme developed by ECCC following its financial autonomy reached in 2024. The Cybersecurity WP is meant to complement the main DEP WP and was written in close consultation with the ECCC Governing Board and the European Commission.

This document includes inputs from the ECCC strategic agenda and considers all the legal obligations stemming from the ECCC regulation, DEP regulation, Cyber Solidarity act, while supporting the implementation of other key legislative files including the Cyber Resilience Act, the Cybersecurity Act and NIS 2 Directive.

For more information: Digital Europe Cybersecurity Work Programme 2025-2027

Contact for media: communicationeccc [dot] europa [dot] eu (communication[at]eccc[dot]europa[dot]eu)

Author

Terry Zeller

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Politics

EIOPA proposes one-to-one capital requirements for EU insurers’ crypto asset holdings

Published

14 hours ago

March 31, 2025

Cassie Gill

The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) published today its technical advice to the European Commission, recommending that a one-to-one capital requirement be applied consistently to all crypto holdings of EU (re)insurers. EIOPA considers a 100% haircut in the standard formula prudent and appropriate for these assets in view of their inherent risks and high volatility.

Crypto assets are a relatively new assets class in finance and their regulatory treatment is still evolving. While the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR) and the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR) include transitional prudential measures for crypto assets, the EU’s regulatory framework for (re)insurers so far has lacked specific provisions on crypto assets. As a result, (re)insurers currently classify their crypto assets without a consistent approach. This raises concerns about the risk sensitivity of these practices and the level of prudence associated with them.

EIOPA’s empirical analysis of historical crypto asset data suggests that current capital weight options – such as the 80% stress level applied to intangible assets – in fact underestimate the risks associated with crypto exposures.

Policy proposal

To promote a harmonized, prudent and proportionate treatment of crypto assets, EIOPA is proposing the introduction of a blanket 100% capital requirement across all crypto holdings, regardless of their balance sheet treatment or whether the exposure is direct or indirect.

The uniform treatment EIOPA proposes would adequately reflect the high risks associated with crypto investments without creating unnecessary complexity or imposing additional reporting requirements on (re)insurers at a time when their investments in crypto assets are still modest in size.

A possible broader adoption of crypto assets may, however, require a more differentiated approach down the line. The treatment of crypto holdings under Solvency II should therefore be reviewed in the future in light of market developments and regulatory approaches in other sectors.

Read the Technical Advice

Background and next steps

This publication comes in response to the European Commission’s Call for Advice and follows a public consultation on the topic with stakeholders. The Commission will now consider EIOPA’s technical advice in the review of level 2 provisions of Solvency II.

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