Michael Dóczy is a diplomat of Austrian nationality, has more than 20 years of experience in foreign policy and since 2020 serves as Ambassador of the European Union in Bolivia.

The water problem in Tarija requires urgent attention; thus, the participatory construction of public policies, planning and governance is a great challenge that is necessary in the department. For many, this is the only way to provide an effective solution to the problem.

In this context, Tarija has developed the project: "Improving Governance for the design, implementation and monitoring of sustainable policies for integrated water and sanitation management in the department of Tarija", supported by the European Union (EU) and undertaken by a synergy of institutions such as the Government, the Autonomous University Juan Misael Saracho (Uajms), Fundecor and the NGO Environmental Protection Tarija (Prometa).

At the beginning of September - within the framework of this initiative - and on the occasion of the visit of the European Union (EU) ambassador in Bolivia, Michael Dóczy, the Departmental Decree 042/2022 of Conformation of Inter-institutional Platforms for the Strengthening of the Departmental Policy of Integral Water and Sanitation Management was enacted.

The regulation recognizes the Departmental Water Platform - PDA as a legitimate space from which proposals for solutions to be taken into account in public policies may be born. The experience will remain as an example of dialogue and consensus-building among various stakeholders, with the aim of solving structural problems.

However, this is not the only project supported by the EU in our country. Relations between Bolivia and this political community have been strengthened over the years and have achieved positive results that go beyond cooperation programs. The EU currently supports the water, sanitation and environment sectors, as well as the fight against drug trafficking, judicial reform, and good governance.

Along with these initiatives, important issues such as human rights and support for civil society have been addressed. The EU Ambassador to Bolivia, Michael Dóczy, renews his commitment to the country and explains it in this interview.

Michael Dóczy is a diplomat of Austrian nationality, he has more than 20 years of foreign policy experience. Among his most prominent positions, he was a senior advisor in the cabinet of European Commissioner Johannes Hahn, in charge of the EU reform program for Ukraine (from 2017 to 2019); he was head of cabinet of the Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Helga Schmid, at the European External Action Service; and he was, among other things, a member of the EU delegation to the Iran nuclear talks (2011- 2015).

Dóczy joined the Austrian civil service in 1998, worked first in the Austrian Federal Chancellery and then became a diplomat in the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2000. Since 2020 he has served as Ambassador of the European Union to Bolivia.

Danitza Montaño (DM). We are aware that Bolivia is a country of great importance for the European Union, can you please detail the type of assistance they provide us?

Michael Dóczy (MD). For us Bolivia is the most important partner we have in the region, in Latin America. We have the largest program here. For the next administration we have programmed more than one hundred million euros, 80 percent of this is dedicated to support the environmental sector, water and the fight against climate change, the most important issues; and 20 percent is for the fight against corruption, drug trafficking, public administration and justice.

There are many things we do; the priority is to support the Bolivian state, so we work with the sectoral ministries on this, such as the Ministry of the Environment and with other cooperation partners. In Tarija we have this program with Prometa, which supports Tarija in access to drinking water and sanitation. And that reflects our priorities very well.

DM: At the regional level, are there any advances you would highlight within the framework of the projects you support?

MD. Progress can be seen, for example, in Tarija, there is support for legislation, civil society and local or state authorities. There is also support for the environment, in the Chiquitania and other regions. The cooperation with many partners from the State and civil society is noteworthy.

DM: What are the main problems you identify regarding climate change in Bolivia?

MD. With all the richness of its nature, Bolivia is very affected by climate change, we see droughts, periods of cold, heavy rains; this affects the environment in general, but also the population that lives off the land and the agricultural sector, we continually see forest fires and climate change. 

DM. What recommendations could you give to the authorities and decision makers in our country?

MD. It is very important that there is dialogue between local authorities and the central level, that is fundamental, but the voice of civil society is also key, it has to be heard, as for example the decree that the Governor of Tarija has signed in my presence. This decree ensures the participation of the civil society in projects of the Departmental Government, I think it is important.

It is key to seek spaces for dialogue, no matter the political party or the region, this is a country affected by climate change, dialogue is essential. 

DM. What are the results you expect from the cooperation you provide?

MD. Well, we want to support Bolivia, we have no other reason. The cooperation is focused on helping the Bolivian population, Bolivians, so that they can live in better conditions, with access to drinking water, environmental protection, access to justice and peaceful dialogue.

We have supported the democratic system in the last national and regional elections with two million euros, which is almost two million dollars through support to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal, for Bolivian democracy.

We know it is difficult, but it is absolutely necessary and fundamental to do this.

DM: What is the lesson or contribution of the project "Alliances for Water and Sanitation Management in Tarija"?

MD. Cooperation between local authorities, NGOs, and civil society, which has a lot to contribute to the work of the authorities, is important. Dialogue is fundamental to obtain results and to avoid conflicts.

DM: Will the European Union continue to support Bolivia and with which projects?

MD. Yes, we are now defining these actions in the future programming of the country, the environment is one of the priorities, the fight against climate change and also economic development, these are the most important issues, but we are in the process of defining these programs.

DM: Is there anything else you would like to say to Tarija, the department you have visited in the last few days?

MD. I would like to thank the authorities of Tarija, the Governor, the Mayor, the civil society, the wine producers and all those who gave me a very warm welcome. I like Tarija very much, I was told before that Tarijeños are very kind, and I have proved that this is correct. Thank you very much.

Interview written by: Danitza Pamela Montaño T.