Lula da Silva said the European Union’s green rules for a trade deal with Mercosur are not okay. He believes these terms hurt Brazil’s image on environmental issues.
Brazil’s President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, met with Ursula von der Leyen, head of the European Commission.
They talked on the sidelines of the G20 summit in India. Charles Michel, who leads the European Council, also joined them.
Mercosur includes Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. In 2019, Mercosur and the EU agreed to trade more freely.
They have been negotiating this deal for 20 years. Yet, both sides still need to give formal approval.
This year, the EU added a new rule. It calls for penalties if Mercosur countries don’t meet environmental goals.
Lula’s reaction puts the future of this trade agreement in doubt.
Background
The EU-Mercosur trade deal aims to create one of the world’s largest free trade areas. The plan is to remove trade barriers and boost economic growth.
However, critics say it might harm the environment. Talks for this deal have been ongoing for 20 years.
Brazil is a key player in Mercosur. Its stance can influence the deal’s success or failure. Lula’s objection to the EU’s green rules is significant.
Brazil is home to the Amazon rainforest, a vital ecosystem. Yet, it also faces criticism for deforestation.
Environmental groups welcome the EU’s new green terms. They believe these can help protect nature.
But the rules could also create trade hurdles. That might impact goods like beef and soy from Brazil.
Lula’s refusal puts him at odds with European leaders. It may slow down or even stop the deal’s approval process.
The tension could affect other areas of Brazil-EU relations too. Both sides now face a challenging path to find a middle ground.