The Minister of Foreign Affairs (MRE), Mauro Vieira, said that he believes in the possibility of Mercosur and the European Union (EU) signing a free trade agreement this Saturday (20), during the Mercosur summit meeting in Foz do Iguaçu (PR).
He, however, reiterated the Brazilian position that this will be the last chance to reach an agreement between the blocs and that, if this does not happen, there will be nothing left to negotiate.
“If it is not concluded now, there is nothing left to negotiate in substantive terms. And we will direct our attention and energies to other important partners who are in line”, said Vieira this Thursday (18) during the program Good morning, Ministerproduced by Brazilian Communication Company (EBC).
The minister, however, said he was optimistic, since there is a majority of countries in favor of the agreement. “I think the European Union is also aware of the importance of making this agreement at this time, especially when we are experiencing an imbalance in the external relations of all countries”, he added, evaluating that the agreement represents “a kind of protection network”, both for the European Union and Mercosur countries.
Mauro Vieira’s speech is in line with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s statement yesterday (17), during the last ministerial meeting of 2025. At the time, Lula said that this is the last chance for an agreement, at least during his term.
“If I don’t do it now, Brazil won’t do it again while I’m president,” said Lula. “If they say no, we will be tough from now on. We will give in to everything possible,” he added.
New markets
According to the chancellor, Brazil has managed to significantly expand its presence towards new foreign markets. The expectation is that these new fronts will increase Brazilian exports by around US$33 billion within five years.
For Brazilian agriculture alone, 500 new markets were opened, thanks to President Lula’s actions during his trips abroad.
“President Lula is Brazil’s biggest promoter and has been since his first term. In this third term, he had an unbelievable number. There were more than 60 direct, face-to-face meetings with foreign heads of state”, he added.
