This Friday (09) the heads of state of the European Union, meeting at the European Council, ratified the approval of the free trade agreement with Mercosur.
Italy’s support allowed the Council to reach the necessary majority to approve the agreement, as the favorable vote of at least 15 of the 27 EU countries was required, representing at least 65% of the bloc’s population.
With approval, the possibility of signing the agreement discussed 26 years ago between the blocs is open, and Mercosur plans to schedule a meeting between the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and South American leaders for next week to formalize the treaty.
Lula celebrated the agreement
On his social networks, President Lula classified the approval of the free trade agreement between the blocs as “a historic day for multilateralism”. According to him, the decision, endorsed by the European side, unites two blocs that together bring together 718 million people and a GDP of US$22.4 trillion, representing one of the largest commercial treaties in the world.
The president also stated that the treaty expands alternatives for Brazilian exports, encourages European productive investments and simplifies trade rules, being a victory for dialogue, negotiation and cooperation between countries and blocs.
Ursula von der Leyen classifies the day as “historic”
The president of the European Commission classified the European Council’s decision to support the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur as historic. According to her, Europe is sending “a strong signal” about its commitment to economic growth, job creation and protecting the interests of European consumers and companies.
Von der Leyen highlighted that, with Mercosur, “a common market of 700 million people” is being created and numerous new opportunities for trade and investment between the blocs are emerging.
