AGP Executive Report

Public Services Pricing Update: Costa Rica’s July 1 fare changes kick in as the ¢5, ¢10 and ¢25 coins are withdrawn—ARESEP rounds bus and taxi fares to the nearest ¢10, with taximeters reprogrammed and some train routes unchanged. Energy Policy Delay: MINAE says its plan to sell premium gasoline blended with 10% ethanol is delayed because RECOPE must pre-purchase inputs and ethanol supply depends on an international tender, with no guaranteed 2027 start. Digital Governance Watch: A new regional report maps digital platform regulation gaps across Costa Rica and neighbors, flagging risks tied to election disinformation, online gender-based violence, and opaque moderation. Regional Trade Diplomacy: Guatemala is pushing to complete accession to the Korea–Central America FTA, aiming to speed up domestic approvals and expand exports and investment. Humanitarian Response: India’s “Operation Amistad” ramps up earthquake relief in Venezuela with rescue teams, field hospitals, medicines, and portable medical units. Security & Politics Abroad: Colombia’s election is framed as a crisis of public confidence, with the run-up marked by a major security operation against a FARC dissident leader.

Costa Rica–Guatemala Trade Diplomacy: South Korea’s foreign minister met Guatemala’s counterpart in Seoul to push completion of Guatemala’s accession to the Korea–Central America FTA, while expanding development cooperation on climate and public administration. Digital Governance in Central America: A new regional report maps digital platform regulation gaps across Costa Rica and neighbors, flagging risks like election disinformation and online gender-based violence. Public Safety Enforcement: Costa Rica’s traffic authorities warn that using a phone while stopped at a red light is still a serious infraction, with fines reported for hundreds of drivers this year. Venezuela Earthquake Response: India intensified “Operation Amistad” with rescue teams, field hospitals, medicines, and portable hospitals as the death toll and displacement figures climb. Regional Politics Watch: Peru’s runoff result gives Keiko Fujimori a narrow win, while Roberto Sánchez signals a challenge over overseas voting rules. Local Infrastructure & Growth: Springfield approved a large housing development, drawing debate over traffic and the loss of rural character.

Peru Politics: Keiko Fujimori’s presidential runoff win is confirmed after a razor-thin margin (50.135% to 49.865%), with Roberto Sánchez refusing to accept the result and vowing appeals and protests—raising fears of a prolonged political standoff. Regional Diplomacy: Lawmakers from 12 Latin American countries backed the expansion of the Isaac Accords, including support for moving embassies to Jerusalem and deeper Israel-Latin America cooperation; Costa Rica is listed among participants. Costa Rica Governance & Safety: Transit authorities warn that using a cell phone while stopped at a red light or waiting for green is a serious infraction, with fines of ¢123,000; separate reporting flags severe Greater Metropolitan Area congestion, with some cantons averaging single-digit speeds in rush hours. Trade & Policy: CPTPP ministers note progress on Costa Rica’s accession and push next steps on Uruguay, signaling continued momentum for the trade bloc’s expansion. STEM Opportunity (Local): Universidad Fidélitas will host MIT/Tec de Monterrey’s Patrones Hermosos camp (July 6–10) to boost girls’ participation in STEM. Public Health/Environment: Costa Rica’s Fuerza Pública seized 1,600 kilos of chicken lacking sanitary certification amid a recent Salmonella-linked outbreak.

Greater Metropolitan Area Traffic: Cosevi says congestion is so bad in San José and nearby cantons that up to 90% of roads can jam at peak hours, with average speeds dropping to single digits in places like Tibás, Curridabat, and Moravia. Public Transport Fares: Starting July 1, Aresep will round regulated bus, taxi, train, and toll charges to the nearest ₡10 as the ₡5 coin exits circulation, shifting some fares up and others down. Government Finance: Finance Minister Rodrigo Chaves says 2026 brings a 5% budget cut across multiple institutions, with more reductions headed to the Legislative Assembly for 2027. STEM Opportunity for Girls: Universidad Fidélitas will host MIT-backed Patrones Hermosos (July 6–10) in San Pedro—free for 17- and 18-year-old high school seniors. Food Safety Crackdown: Police seized 1,600 kilos of chicken in Coto Brus over missing sanitary certification and tax documentation, tied to a recent Salmonella outbreak investigation. Cyber Fraud Warning: OIJ reports show scammers increasingly target seniors with impersonation and pressure tactics to access accounts and savings. Regional Trade Policy: CPTPP ministers advanced accession and cooperation steps, noting progress on Costa Rica’s accession and work toward Uruguay’s. Economy/Exports: Costa Rican pineapple growers highlight the sector’s 150,000+ jobs and about 6% of national exports. World News With Costa Rica Links: UN secretary-general candidates’ dual citizenship questions are resurfacing, including Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan’s family ties to Israel.

Costa Rica Budget & Finance: Finance Minister Rodrigo Chaves says the “entire state will tighten its belt” in 2026, announcing a 5% cut to multiple institutions and signaling more reductions for 2027, reigniting long-running clashes with the Attorney General, Comptroller, and the TSE. Costa Rica Digital Government: The Supreme Electoral Tribunal’s Costa Rican Digital Identity (IDC) is expanding fast, letting people complete remote procedures and access online services with fewer trips to offices. Costa Rica Security & Environment: Environmental prosecutors warn wildlife trafficking is shifting toward organized crime structures, raising the stakes for enforcement and tougher laws. Costa Rica Economy & Jobs: Pineapple production remains a major export engine, supporting 150,000+ jobs and about 6% of national exports, with growth centered in the northern zone. Global Watch (relevant to policy): British American Tobacco plans to cut about 9,000 jobs worldwide as it leans on AI and outsourcing, while the UN debate over dual citizenship among secretary-general candidates adds another governance wrinkle.

Costa Rica–Venezuela Disaster Response: Costa Rican firefighters and USAR specialists have sent a second 48-person search-and-rescue team to earthquake-hit Venezuela as the official death toll climbs past 1,400, with rescuers facing unstable collapses and extreme heat. Environmental Crime Watch: Costa Rica’s environmental prosecutors warn wildlife trafficking is shifting toward organized-crime style operations, raising the risk that major criminal groups could absorb the trade. Tourism Economy Pressure: A new report highlights how Costa Rica’s small, independent hotel identity is being squeezed as big international chains expand faster—especially along the coast near San José’s airport. Public Health System Strain: Coverage points to the Caja’s worsening budget pressures and overcrowding risks, even as patients stress its value as the backbone of Costa Rica’s healthcare. Trade & Policy: CPTPP talks move forward with commitments to bring Costa Rica into the pact and accelerate Uruguay’s accession work. Global Tech Diplomacy: Costa Rica is named among Pax Silica partners as the UAE and others push trusted AI supply chains and secure infrastructure.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Costa Rica is stepping up help after the June 24 double quake, sending a second 48-person search-and-rescue team from the Bomberos’ Urban Search and Rescue unit, with specialized medical and collapse-response gear, joining an earlier wave as Venezuela’s official death toll climbs past 1,400. Humanitarian Aid: The Red Cross is also expanding its relief push, launching an emergency appeal to support Venezuelan teams in La Guaira and Greater Caracas while rescue operations continue. Regional Diplomacy: Costa Rica’s foreign ministry presence at the OAS General Assembly in Panama underscored how Venezuela and broader hemispheric security and trade issues are shaping talks. AI Supply-Chain Politics: Costa Rica is named among Pax Silica partners as the UAE and other allies deepen a US-led effort to build “trusted” AI supply chains and secure tech infrastructure. Local Mobility & Travel: With Guanacaste traffic snarling Route 1 during school breaks, one report highlights faster flights from San José to the region as an alternative. Immigration Policy: Canada’s International Experience Canada program continues to offer repeat work-permit access for eligible Costa Ricans, with age and participation limits listed.

AI Supply-Chain Diplomacy: The UAE used the second Pax Silica Summit in Washington to deepen AI and technology cooperation with the U.S. and allies, backing “trusted” AI supply chains and joining a 35-country Joint Statement on AI Opportunities. Regional Trade Talks: CPTPP ministers agreed to move toward Costa Rica’s accession and speed Uruguay’s, while starting preparatory talks with the Philippines, Indonesia, and the UAE. Costa Rica in the Mix: Costa Rica is listed among Pax Silica partners expanding the initiative’s membership to 24 economies. Venezuela Disaster Response: CAF launched a Venezuela Recovery and Reconstruction Fund with an initial US$1 million as rescuers and the Red Cross scale up search, medical aid, and an emergency appeal after deadly double earthquakes. Local Humanitarian Link: Costa Rica sent a rescue and humanitarian mission to support Venezuela’s quake response, including Red Cross specialists and equipment. Public Health Pressure: A report highlights how Costa Rica’s welfare system and the CCSS are under strain, raising fears about sustainability and service gaps.

Venezuela Quake Response: Costa Rica has deployed a rescue and humanitarian mission to Venezuela after twin earthquakes devastated Caracas and La Guaira, sending 16 Red Cross specialists first, with a larger 48-rescuer, 12-ton equipment and food package ordered by President Laura Fernández. Humanitarian Appeals: The Red Cross launched an emergency appeal for 50 million Swiss francs to support 300,000 affected people, with the death toll reported near 1,000 and expected to rise. AI Supply-Chain Diplomacy: Costa Rica is now part of the U.S.-led Pax Silica push, joining 35 countries backing a “trusted” AI supply-chain declaration after the second summit in Washington. Local Travel Economy Watch: New figures show San José’s Juan Santamaría airport saw a 1.4% drop in international arrivals in May, while Liberia grew faster—an uneven sign for Costa Rica’s tourism competitiveness. Regional Security Tension: Russia rejected Costa Rica’s concerns about Russian military presence in Nicaragua, saying cooperation is legal and limited, while San José argues it raises security and democratic risks.

AI & Supply Chains: The U.S.-led Pax Silica push kept expanding as 35 economies signed a “Joint Statement on AI Opportunity,” backing pro-innovation rules and trusted semiconductor/critical-minerals supply chains; Costa Rica was among the new partners, and the Philippines joined the declaration. Local Economy & Travel: A warning sign for San José’s airport: international arrivals fell 1.4% in May even as Costa Rica’s overall air tourism rose, with growth shifting toward Liberia. Regional Security: U.S. Southern Command and El Salvador will co-host CENTAM Guardian 26, with Costa Rica among participating countries, focused on training to counter transnational threats and disasters. Foreign Policy Tension: Costa Rica pressed concerns about Russian military presence in Nicaragua at the OAS; Russia replied that its role is legal and limited to training and emergency support. Humanitarian Watch: Venezuela’s double earthquake response continues as Costa Rica’s foreign ministry says no Costa Ricans were harmed and consular help is active. Tax Enforcement: Costa Rica’s Taxation Ministry moves to require SINPE Móvil number registration to curb tax evasion.

Venezuela Quake Response: Twin 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes have killed at least 235 people, with more than 4,300 injured, as search-and-rescue teams and aid packages pour in across Greater Caracas and La Guaira. Regional Solidarity: Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez thanked leaders including Costa Rica’s Laura Fernández, Spain, Canada, and others, while the Bermuda Red Cross launched a disaster cash appeal tied to the wider IFRC emergency effort. AI Supply Chains: The U.S.-led Pax Silica coalition expanded to 24 countries, with 35 signing a joint AI statement; Costa Rica is listed among participating partners. Costa Rica in the News: Costa Rica’s president is cited in quake support, and the country is also named in the Pax Silica AI initiative. Local/Travel Signals: Southwest marked 20 years at Denver International, and United announced new nonstop routes to Cartagena and Turks & Caicos—small reminders of how travel links keep shifting across the Americas.

Venezuela Quake Response: Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez thanked leaders including Costa Rica’s Laura Fernández as rescue teams and aid pour in after twin 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes; the death toll rose to 235 with more than 4,300 injured, and UN-certified rescuers are joining searches while Spain, France, Germany and others mobilize specialists and equipment. AI Supply-Chain Diplomacy: The US launched the Pax Silica initiative and a Declaration on AI Opportunity at a Washington summit, with 35 nations signing—Costa Rica included—backing “trusted” tech supply chains; the US also unveiled PaxPass to streamline movement of critical AI goods. Costa Rica in Regional Mobility: Honduras changed entry rules for Costa Ricans with valid US or Canadian visas/residency, dropping the need for a criminal record certificate (“hoja de delincuencia”) for that group, effective June 22. Local Security & Governance: A report highlights Costa Rica’s ongoing legal and institutional friction, including a continuing feud involving the Attorney General and former president turned “super minister.”

Earthquake Response: Venezuela’s twin quakes have killed at least 164 people, with nearly 1,000 injured and thousands missing as rescuers race to reach survivors under collapsed buildings. Regional Solidarity: Spain, Costa Rica, and Palestine leaders sent support, while Latin America and the wider world mobilized rescue teams and aid packages. Costa Rica in the Spotlight: Costa Rica’s President Laura Fernández pledged humanitarian assistance and coordination mechanisms to help Venezuela’s recovery. AI Supply Chains: Pax Silica—Trump’s AI tech supply initiative—keeps expanding, with Costa Rica joining alongside the EU and other partners, raising new questions about AI independence. Local Governance & Rights: In San José, a workshop with OACNUDH and Media Defence trained lawyers to strengthen press freedom protections across Latin America. Consumer Watchdog: Costa Rica’s MEIC reported widespread non-compliance in an outlet inspection campaign, flagging missing price info, warranty gaps, and improper labeling. Security & Courts: Costa Rica’s Constitutional Court paused deportation of a foreign national detained over alleged Hamas links, after a habeas corpus petition. Travel Impact: Frontier Airlines plans to exit San José, Costa Rica, cutting routes as it reshapes its network.

Disaster Response in the Region: Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within a minute, with reports of at least 32 deaths and hundreds injured as buildings collapsed in and around Caracas; the USGS warned aftershocks and that fatalities could rise into the thousands. International Solidarity: The US and multiple Latin American governments pledged rescue, medical help, and equipment, with Mexico and El Salvador among the first to announce ready-to-deploy teams. Costa Rica Courts & Land-Use: Costa Rica’s Supreme Court upheld construction rules protecting the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge buffer zone, a win for sea turtle and water protections amid fast-growing coastal development in Nosara. Regional Security at the OAS: Costa Rican Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar denounced Russian troops and Iran-backed groups’ presence in Nicaragua, warning of risks to Central American stability. Latin America Politics & Investment: Colombia’s rightward shift after Abelardo de la Espriella’s win is framed as a tougher security pivot, while ECLAC reports US FDI into the region fell 11% in 2025 as Europe gained ground.

Costa Rica Courts Wildlife Buffer Rules: Costa Rica’s Supreme Court upheld construction regulations around the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge, rejecting a challenge by JBR Capital Ventures and reinforcing local limits meant to protect sea turtles, aquifers, and coastal habitat. Public Safety & Security: Costa Rica’s Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar denounced Russian military presence and Iran-backed groups including Hamas and Hezbollah in Nicaragua at the OAS, citing arrests linked to Hamas in Costa Rica and warning of regional instability. Tourism Regulation Debate: In Garabito/Jacó, the mayor proposed a 70-hectare “permissive” zone to concentrate prostitution and potentially regulated drug use, aiming to make Jacó’s downtown more family-friendly—sparking immediate local criticism. Wildlife Enforcement at Airports: Costa Rica warned travelers that taking home seashells can trigger major fines and jail time, with airport seizures continuing at Liberia and San José. Regional Investment Watch: ECLAC reported Latin America and the Caribbean received $194.2B in FDI in 2025 (+1.7%), with U.S. investment down 11% as Europe gained ground.

Organized Crime Crackdown in Costa Rica: Costa Rica’s OIJ and prosecutors launched “Riverside,” with 146 raids and about 1,500 agents, targeting an alleged drug-trafficking and money-laundering network linked to extradited suspect Edwin Danney Lopez-Vega (“Pecho de Rata”). Crucitas Blast Probe: Prosecutors opened a preliminary investigation after a loud detonation interrupted President Laura Fernández’s Crucitas visit; she was evacuated, no injuries reported, and officials are still checking what caused the blast. OAS Warning on Nicaragua: Costa Rica’s foreign minister told the OAS it’s “enormous[ly] concern[ed]” about Russian military presence in Nicaragua and links to groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Adoption Review Update: Norway’s final report after reviewing Costa Rican adoption files says Norwegian authorities had limited insight into how children were declared abandoned, even as it found no major system-level wrongdoing. Local Governance Enforcement: San José traffic police began license/registration checks for “bicimotos,” treating many as motor vehicles if they can move without continuous pedaling. Global Context: A CRF roundtable pushed deeper India–Latin America strategic ties, with Costa Rica among participating ambassadors.