The Brazilian government is set to assume the presidency of Mercosur, aiming to strengthen the bloc’s external agenda and move beyond ongoing talks with the European Union (EU).
Official sources have confirmed Brazil’s intention to boost Mercosur’s international trade agenda beyond EU negotiations.
During the upcoming summit in Puerto Iguazú, Argentina, Brazil will receive the rotating presidency from the Common Market Council (CMC), composed of the foreign ministers of Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
Mauricio Carvalho, Director of Economic Affairs at the Brazilian Foreign Ministry, emphasized Brazil’s interest in advancing Mercosur’s external trade agenda during a press conference.
He noted that negotiations with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), comprising Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, are in the final stages.
Additionally, discussions with Canada, Indonesia, and Vietnam, although less advanced, are also of interest to Mercosur.
Addressing the EU negotiations, Carvalho highlighted that Mercosur is currently working on its response to the EU’s environmental concerns, which have impeded progress in the talks.
The Brazilian presidency of Mercosur is viewed as an opportunity for the government of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to reaffirm the significance of the bloc’s external agenda.
In relation to the EU, it will serve as a clear political message, signaling Brazil’s continued interest in reaching an agreement.