AGP Executive Report

Uruguay’s Medical Milestone: Uruguay recorded its first death by euthanasia, after the “Dignified Death” law took effect last month, allowing assisted dying for terminally ill, mentally competent adults. Mercosur-EU Trade Test: Uruguay also hit an early win in the EU-Mercosur deal, filling 63% of its zero-tariff annual rice quota to the EU within weeks, with the quota set to rise to 60,000 tons over five years. Humanitarian Aid as US-Cuba Tensions Rise: A cargo ship carrying 1,700 tons of food and hygiene supplies docked in Havana from Mexico and Uruguay, as Washington and Havana trade sharper accusations. World Cup Fallout: England’s World Cup squad is set amid major omissions and injuries, with Harry Maguire “shocked and gutted” after being left out, while the USMNT faces its own injury concerns. Football Wealth Watch: Messi joins Ronaldo as a billionaire in the sport, underscoring how the World Cup era keeps turning stars into global brands.

World Cup Countdown: England’s 26-man squad is set for the June 11 start, but the big shock is who’s missing—Harry Maguire and Cole Palmer among the notable omissions as Thomas Tuchel finalises his group plans. Brazil Injury Blow: Brazil’s Estêvão is ruled out with a torn hamstring, reshuffling attacking options and giving Neymar a lifeline in the preliminary squad. Health & Food Safety: Ireland’s health minister says there’s “no general public health concern” over Brazilian beef, stressing EU/Irish controls and traceability after earlier hormone-related concerns. Uruguay Energy Deal: QatarEnergy has bought stakes in three offshore exploration blocks off Uruguay from Shell, marking its first upstream entry there. Culture Spotlight: The UN marked International Tea Day at its New York HQ with a ceremony on Chinese tea culture and sustainability. Social Activism: In Providencia, a giant inflatable clitoris installation pushed sexual education into public debate.

World Cup Draw & Squad Buzz: Haiti’s U-17 World Cup draw is out, placing “Our Grenadiers” in Group D with France, Saudi Arabia—and Uruguay—setting up a key test in Qatar this November. England World Cup Shockwaves: With the England squad due Friday, leaks and reactions are already dominating: Harry Maguire says he’s been left out, while Cole Palmer is also reported axed, as Thomas Tuchel trims his 26-man roster. Uruguay Energy Deal: QatarEnergy has taken stakes in three offshore exploration blocks off Uruguay, marking its first entry into Uruguay’s upstream sector after buying interests from Shell. Human Rights Pressure: Thousands marched in Montevideo and beyond demanding full declassification of dictatorship-era military archives tied to 205 disappeared people, renewing calls for answers and an end to impunity. Regional Finance: Uzbekistan has moved to join the New Development Bank, a BRICS-founded lender aimed at funding infrastructure and sustainable development.

Energy Deal: QatarEnergy has bought stakes in three offshore exploration blocks off Uruguay from Shell’s BG International, marking its “first entry” into Uruguay’s upstream sector—18% in OFF-4 (Shell 32%, APA operator 50%), 30% in OFF-2 (Shell operator 70%), and 30% in OFF-7 (Shell 40%, Chevron 30%). Public Memory: Uruguayans marched in Montevideo and beyond demanding the full declassification of military archives tied to 205 disappeared people from the 1973–1985 dictatorship, pressing the government to release remaining classified files. Sports Buzz: England’s World Cup squad is already roiling with major omissions ahead of Friday’s final announcement, while Uruguay’s own World Cup match against Cape Verde is set for June 21 in Miami. Regional Watch: Gulf markets bounced on Iran-deal hopes and firmer oil prices, a reminder that Uruguay’s energy story is playing out in a wider, fast-moving region.

World Cup Countdown: With the 2026 finals in North America just weeks away, AFP Sport spotlights France as the top-ranked contender, pointing to an unbeaten run and a fearsome attack led by Mbappé and Dembélé—while Spain’s early campaign could be hit by injuries to Lamine Yamal and others. Bolivia-Colombia Rift: Bolivia expelled Colombia’s ambassador and escalated the crisis at the OAS after Petro called the protests a “popular insurrection,” drawing backing from the US and divided regional support; Uruguay urged a peaceful democratic resolution. Argentina Waterway Tender: Argentina opened bids for the 25-year Paraná–Paraguay waterway concession despite prosecutors warning of “serious and obvious irregularities,” with the winner set to tap about $600m a year in tolls. Uruguay Energy Deal: QatarEnergy bought stakes in three offshore exploration blocks off Uruguay from Shell’s subsidiary, marking QatarEnergy’s first upstream entry there. Health Watch: US intelligence is assessing how Cuba might respond to a US military action as tensions keep rising.

Uruguay in the spotlight at Cannes: Ventana Sur Goes to Cannes opened 18 May at Palais K, with five Latin American works in progress lined up for completion by 2026, including Uruguay-linked co-productions spanning Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Mexico and Spain. Energy deal with Qatar: QatarEnergy bought stakes in three offshore exploration blocks off Uruguay’s Atlantic coast from Shell’s subsidiary—its first move into Uruguay’s upstream sector—taking 30% in OFF-2 and OFF-7 and 18% in OFF-4. Health watch: The hantavirus outbreak tied to the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius remains under international monitoring, with WHO saying the wider public risk is still “low” as authorities track contacts across countries. Cuba aid ripple effect: A humanitarian shipment involving Mexico and Uruguay reached Havana amid escalating US-Cuba tensions, underscoring how regional logistics keep colliding with geopolitics. World Cup buzz: Neymar’s Brazil return and England’s squad questions are driving fresh tournament chatter as the 2026 build-up heats up.

Uruguay Energy Deal: QatarEnergy has bought Shell-linked stakes in three offshore blocks off Uruguay’s Atlantic coast—its first upstream entry in the country—taking 30% in OFF-2 and OFF-7 and 18% in OFF-4, with Shell still operating key areas. Cuba Aid, Uruguay in the Mix: A ship carrying humanitarian supplies from Mexico and Uruguay docked in Havana with hygiene items and about 1,700 tons of food, as Cuba warns the US “blockade” is worsening shortages. Cuba-US Tensions: Cuba’s president escalated the rhetoric, calling US economic pressure “collective punishment” and warning any military move could mean a “bloodbath.” World Cup Buzz: Neymar’s emotional return to Brazil’s 2026 squad is going viral, while Britain signals interest in copying the EU’s Mercosur trade deal—an issue that directly touches Uruguay’s regional trade ties. Local Politics: Uruguay’s Orsi faces fresh polling trouble, with approval at 29% and disapproval at 46%.

US-Cuba Tensions: Cuba’s president Miguel Díaz-Canel escalated his fight with Washington, calling the latest sanctions an “act of genocide” and urging that the Trump administration be “criminally prosecuted,” after new measures targeted Cuba’s intelligence agency and senior officials. Humanitarian Relief: Amid the standoff, a ship carrying aid from Mexico and Uruguay docked in Havana with hygiene supplies and about 1,700 tons of grains and powdered milk, with Cuba saying distribution will prioritize children and vulnerable families. Public Opinion in Uruguay: A new Factum survey puts President Yamandú Orsi’s approval at 29% and disapproval at 46%, showing a continued slide since last week’s similar Equipos numbers. EU Trade Pressure on Brazil: Ireland’s agriculture minister called the EU’s removal of Brazil from an authorized exporters list a “warning shot,” with the change set to take effect from September 3. Health Watch: The hantavirus scare linked to the MV Hondius continues to drive monitoring and disinfection plans as officials say the wider risk remains low.

Cuba Aid Under Strain: A humanitarian ship carrying supplies from Mexico and Uruguay docked in Havana as Cuba’s energy and economic crisis deepens, with officials blaming tighter U.S. pressure and saying the cargo—grains, powdered milk and hygiene items—will be prioritized for children, the elderly and vulnerable families. Uruguay Politics: A new Factum survey puts President Yamandú Orsi’s approval at 29% and disapproval at 46%, with younger voters showing the sharpest drop in support. Regional Trade & Ports: Brazil’s Wilson Sons announced a $220m expansion of the Rio Grande Container Terminal to handle larger ships and growing transshipment from Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay. World Cup Build-Up: Uruguay’s football spotlight stays bright as Spain’s King Felipe VI is set to attend the Spain-Uruguay match in Guadalajara on June 26, while the wider tournament countdown continues with the 48-team format. Tech & Entertainment: Titan OS is partnering with Mercado Play to bring Mercado Libre’s streaming library to smart TVs across Latin America.

Hantavirus Hunt in Patagonia: Argentina has launched a new scientific mission in Tierra del Fuego to track down rodents that could carry the Andes strain after the MV Hondius outbreak killed three passengers and triggered global alarm. Cuba Aid Amid US Pressure: A humanitarian ship carrying more than 1,600 tons of food and hygiene supplies from Mexico and Uruguay docked in Havana as Cuba battles a deep energy and economic crisis. Diplomacy Spotlight: China’s foreign ministry honored outstanding diplomatic envoys in Beijing, including former ambassadors from Uruguay and others. World Cup Buzz: Cape Verde named Columbus Crew defender Steven Moreira to its 2026 World Cup squad, while Shakira and Burna Boy released the official anthem “Dai Dai.” Regional Security Watch: SIPRI reports Brazil remains South America’s top defense spender, with Uruguay showing one of the steepest relative increases.

Hantavirus Response: A new scientific mission is starting in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego to trap local rodents and test whether they carry the Andes hantavirus strain after the MV Hondius outbreak killed three passengers and triggered global alarm. Public Health Politics: The WHO’s symbolic push for cooperation comes as the US and Argentina prepare to exit the agency, raising questions about whether health coordination can hold amid political fractures. Regional Watch: Southern Africa is on alert after possible exposure cases tied to the cruise, with officials stressing the risk remains low and monitoring continues. World Cup Build-Up: Shakira and Burna Boy released “Dai Dai,” the official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem, as cities across the Americas line up free watch parties and base-camp logistics for the June 11 kickoff. Uruguay in the Mix: SIPRI data shows Uruguay’s military spending jumped sharply in 2025, one of the steepest relative rises in South America.

Politics & Disclosure: Progressive billionaire Tom Steyer is facing fresh backlash over his paid influencer strategy after details resurfaced that one key Latino creator tied to his California governor campaign, Carlos Eduardo Espina, was based in Texas—and critics say posts promoting Steyer didn’t disclose a reported $100,000 deal. World Cup Build-Up: FIFA has officially unveiled “Dai Dai,” the 2026 World Cup anthem by Shakira and Burna Boy, with royalties earmarked for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund as the tournament’s June 11 start nears. Regional Security: SIPRI reports Brazil remains South America’s top defense spender, while Uruguay logged one of the steepest relative increases in military spending over five years. Culture & Memory: Uruguay marks the anniversary of Mario Benedetti, spotlighting his lasting impact on Spanish-American writing. Football (Africa): Mamelodi edged AS FAR 1-0 in the CAF Champions League return-leg, setting up a tense next step.

World Cup buzz: FIFA has unveiled the official 2026 anthem, “Dai Dai,” by Shakira and Burna Boy, with royalties earmarked for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. Public health watch: The hantavirus scare linked to the MV Hondius continues to ripple outward, with Indonesia stepping up screening at airports and ports for travelers arriving from countries including the U.S., Argentina, Uruguay and Panama. Uruguay politics: A new Equipos survey shows President Yamandú Orsi’s first-year approval slipping further, with disapproval rising to 48% and approval down to 27%. Culture on the move: In Montevideo, former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet urged “people-centered” multilateralism, warning that democratic erosion, conflict and AI-driven misinformation are reshaping the region’s risks. Football culture: Chile’s Palestino has kept using match rituals to denounce Israel’s war in Gaza, turning pre-game moments into a public statement.

Cannes Spotlight: Lisandro Alonso returns with Double Freedom, a 25-years-later sequel to Freedom that follows a woodcutter facing a crisis involving his severely mentally ill sister, premiering in Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight. World Cup Build-Up: FIFA has unveiled the official 2026 anthem, “Dai Dai,” by Shakira and Burna Boy, with royalties tied to a children’s education and football fund; meanwhile, cities across the U.S. and D.C. are rolling out free watch parties, and teams are finalising base camps ahead of the June 11 kickoff. Health Watch: The hantavirus scare keeps widening beyond the cruise ship, with new investigations and heightened screening reported in multiple countries, including a suspected locally acquired case in New York. Uruguay Politics: A fresh poll shows President Yamandú Orsi’s approval slipping further after his first year, with disapproval rising to 48%.

World Cup buzz: Shakira and Burna Boy have officially released “Dai Dai,” the FIFA World Cup 2026 song, with royalties earmarked for FIFA’s Global Citizen Education Fund. Football discipline: FIFA is also clarifying what can trigger a red card at the World Cup, including new-style confrontations and protest walkouts. Uruguay politics: A fresh Equipos poll shows President Yamandú Orsi’s approval slipping to 27% while disapproval climbs to 48% in his first year, widening the negative gap. Regional culture: In Caracas, the Ayacucho Library marked Ángel Rama’s centenary, spotlighting his “participatory canon” and lasting influence on Latin American literature. Sports on the pitch: Universitario lost 0-1 to Atlético Grau after a straight red card sparked controversy, setting up a tough Libertadores trip to Uruguay. Trade and food safety: Ireland’s food safety authority welcomed EU rules tightening imports of animal products, with Mercosur countries included while Brazil faces a September 3 cutoff.

World Cup buzz in Washington: D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser says D.C. United’s free “United in Play” watch parties will be the capital’s central World Cup hub, with events at Franklin Park (June 12-14) and Tingey Plaza in Navy Yard (schedule to follow), both open to the public with advance registration. World Cup soundtrack: Shakira and Burna Boy have released the official 2026 FIFA song, “Dai Dai,” with FIFA saying royalties will back its Global Citizen Education Fund aiming to raise $100 million for children’s education and soccer opportunities. Climate watch: New projections warn a strong El Niño could bring heavier, more persistent rains and a higher flood risk across Argentina’s Littoral, with knock-on effects for Uruguay, southern Brazil and Paraguay. Food trade pressure: Ireland’s FSAI welcomed tighter EU rules on animal-product imports, a move that leaves Brazil out of the approved list from September 3—sparking fresh uncertainty as Brazil challenges the EU ban ahead of Mercosur rollout. Uruguay politics: A new Equipos survey finds Orsi’s disapproval climbing to 48% while approval slips to 27% in his first year. Public health still unsettled: The hantavirus cruise outbreak continues to drive monitoring and finger-pointing as countries trace where it began.