Lula kicks off busy week with meeting with EU Commission President

This week, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will commence his duties by hosting the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on Monday (June 12).

On the same day, the president is slated to initiate the National Commitment for Literate Children at the Planalto Palace.

Come Friday (June 16) he will be traveling to Goiás to unveil two significant projects: the North-South railroad in Rio Verde and a ring road in Jataí.

The gathering with the European Commission’s leader is integral to Brazil’s strategic plan to foster closer ties with the European Union.

The primary objective is to address the agreement between Mercosul and the European bloc.

Lula has been openly critical of the group and has affirmed that any agreement between the two blocs will be conditional on accepting Brazilian stipulations.

During a speech in São Bernardo do Campo, Lula elaborated on Europe’s expectations from the agreement.

He stated, “What do the Europeans want in the agreement? That Brazil opens the doors for government purchases.”

“They want the Brazilian government to buy foreign things instead of Brazilian things. There is no agreement if they don’t accept Brazil’s position.”

“We cannot sacrifice government purchases that are the lifeline for small and medium-sized companies in this country.”

The proposed free trade agreement, which has been under negotiation for over two decades, postulates that companies from both blocs can participate in public bids on equal terms with local companies.

Europeans argue that this would facilitate more competition and access to domestic bids.

However, Lula believes such a move could potentially harm the Brazilian industry, potentially reducing its market share in sales to federal and state governments.

He emphasizes that public purchases are a pivotal tool for accomplishing economic objectives within the country.

Previously in January, during German Prime Minister Olaf Scholz’s visit to Brazil, Lula voiced his concerns over the impasse.

He suggested that negotiations should be resumed shortly, though no specific date was mentioned.

Alongside discussing trade, Lula is also expected to address potential advancements in negotiations for a possible peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia with the European Commission President.

Lula plans to discuss the development of a peace accord to present to Russia and Ukraine with other nations.

Throughout 2023, Lula has already participated in bilateral meetings with several key European leaders, including Portugal’s Prime Minister António Costa, Spain’s President Pedro Sánchez, France’s President Emmanuel Macron, and Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

On the domestic front, Lula will unveil a new literacy policy called the National Commitment for Literate Children on Monday.

The initiative aims to promote literacy among children with an estimated investment of R$2 billion (US$400 million) over the next four years.

On his Friday trip to Goiás, Lula will launch two key transport infrastructure projects: the completion of the North-South railroad in Rio Verde and the inauguration of a ring road in Jataí.

The President’s itinerary for the week also includes negotiations for a potential gathering of government base leaders in the House and meetings with ministers and officials regarding possible changes in the Esplanade.

The Tourism portfolio, presently under the leadership of Daniela Carneiro, is expected to undergo a leadership transition, making room for União Brasil in the Chamber.

Deputy Celso Sabino from União-PA is the likely candidate to assume the role.

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