This Friday (16), President Lula received the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, amid the negotiations involving the agreement between the European Union and Mercosur.
The EU leader came to South America with the intention of officially signing the agreement. After the visit to Brazil, tomorrow (17), he will go to Paraguay to carry out the signing.
Lula will not participate in the ceremony to formalize the trade agreement, but other heads of state have already confirmed their presence, including the president of Argentina, Javier Milei. Brazil will be represented at the event by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauro Vieira.
Behind the scenes of Brazilian diplomacy, the expectation was that the meeting held in Rio de Janeiro would have greater political relevance than the previous ceremony, in Asunción, and would yield a symbolic image of victory, bringing together the main authorities of the European Union. The agenda was also designed as a way to reinforce Brazil’s leading role as the main political articulator of the agreement between Mercosur and the EU.
Brazilian president said that the agreement should prioritize goods with higher added value
Lula mentioned that The commercial union between the continents represents a strategic change by going beyond the region’s historical role as an exporter of commodities.
Furthermore, the president highlighted that the partnership should strengthen value chains considered strategic, especially in the areas of energy and digital transition. He also highlighted that the agreement creates opportunities for technological and industrial development, aligned with the new demands of the global economy.
Finally, he also highlighted that the agreement goes beyond the economic dimension. According to him, Mercosur and the European Union share values such as respect for democracy, the rule of law and human rights, as well as a commitment to high standards of protection for labor rights and the environment, strengthened by more political dialogue and cooperation.
Leader of the European Commission praised negotiation between continents
Ursula von der Leyen stated that the agreement between the European Union and Mercosur sends a “strong message” of openness and cooperation to the world, by connecting two large markets in one of the largest global free trade areas. According to her, the partnership expands economic opportunities, strengthens supply chains and creates an environment of clear and predictable rules for investments on both sides.
Von der Leyen highlighted that the agreement is based on the idea that international trade is not a zero-sum game, but an instrument to generate mutual benefits, such as new jobs, business growth and shared prosperity. For the European leader, cooperation between regions, peoples and oceans is essential to build trust and teamwork in a global scenario marked by challenges.
The president of the European Commission also praised President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, highlighting his commitment to values such as democracy, respect for the rule of law, sovereign nations, communities and the protection of the planet. She also recalled that, in 2024, Brazil and the European Union will celebrate 20 years of strategic partnership, a milestone that, according to her, will be strengthened with the new trade agreement.
“Lula, you are a leader who is truly committed to the values that are very important to us, democracy, an international order based on rules and respect, respect for our planet, respect for communities and respect for communities and sovereign nations.”
