Lula hails Mercosur–EU deal as victory stemming from dialogue

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva celebrated the ratification of the agreement between the European Union and Mercosur. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the approval by a large majority early Friday afternoon (Jan. 9). On social media, Lula called it “a victory stemming from dialogue.”

“A victory stemming from dialogue, negotiation, and a commitment to cooperation and integration between countries and blocs,” he said.

The agreement, Lula said, in addition to benefiting both blocs, is “a sign in favor of international trade.” The Brazilian president was actively involved in talks and attempted to finalize it at the end of last year, when Brazil presided over the South American bloc. In Lula’s view, the agreement between Mercosur and the EU was a priority.

The president also said it was a “historic day for multilateralism” and recalled the long 25-year negotiation process that led to the conclusion of the agreement.

“A historic day for multilateralism. After 25 years of negotiations, the Mercosur–European Union agreement – one of the largest free trade treaties in the world, has been approved. The decision endorsed by the European side unites two blocs that, together, account for 718 million people and a GDP of USD 22.4 trillion.”

Signature

With the outcome confirmed, the European Commission president could travel to Paraguay as early as next week to formalize the accord.

Mercosur countries – Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay – need to do the same and submit the final document to their parliaments, but ratification is individual – i.e. governments do not need to wait for approval from all four member states.