Lula asserts determination to pursue Mercosur-EU agreement
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva reaffirmed his commitment on Monday (Dec. 4) to advancing the trade agreement between Mercosur and the European Union (EU). Despite being approved in 2019 after over two decades of negotiations, the agreement has encountered obstacles, with countries like France expressing reservations that hinder its implementation.
Challenges extend beyond external opposition, with internal resistance evident within Mercosur itself, notably articulated in the campaign rhetoric of Argentina's president-elect, Javier Milei. He has even indicated a willingness to withdraw Argentina from the South American bloc.
In Berlin, Lula, accompanied by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, addressed the press, emphasizing the importance of the EU's decision on whether to pursue “a balanced agreement.” Regarding a current political fragmentation, Lula stressed the “pivotal role of bringing closer ties between the regions in constructing a multipolar world and reinforcing multilateralism.”
Germany is a staunch supporter of the agreement. Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced "additional efforts" to conclude the treaty. For the agreement to become effective, it requires approval from the European Council and the European Parliament, as well as ratification by the parliaments of all Mercosur countries and the European Union. "I ask all those involved to show pragmatism and to be willing to conclude compromise solutions," Scholz added.
Lula conveyed his determination, stating, "As long as I believe that it is possible to achieve this agreement, I will fight for it." Expressing concern about the unreasonable delay after 23 years of negotiations, he underscored the urgency to advance in trade, political, and economic agreements. Lula asserted his persistence, noting, "I'm not going to give up until I have talked to all the presidents and heard 'no' from everyone. Only then we'll move on in another direction."
The agreement encompasses both tariff and regulatory matters, spanning services, public procurement, trade facilitation, technical barriers, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and intellectual property.
Mercosur
The upcoming Mercosur Summit, scheduled for Thursday (7) in Rio de Janeiro under Brazil's presidency, will proceed without the participation of Javier Milei, who assumes the presidency of Argentina on December 10.
