Lula and von der Leyen Discuss EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement After Historic Negotiations

Historic EU-Mercosur Agreement

• 💡 The EU-Mercosur trade agreement is a historic achievement, concluded after 25 years of negotiations.
• 👏 European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised President Lula's political leadership and commitment in delivering this pact.
• ✅ The agreement represents the culmination of efforts by a whole generation of negotiators and leaders.

Benefits of the Trade Pact

• 🌍 The agreement establishes the world's biggest market and largest free trade zone, promoting partnership and openness.
• 📈 It aims to create shared prosperity, generating new jobs, better opportunities, and higher income for people and businesses on both sides.
• 🤝 The pact will multiply opportunities through mutual access to strategic markets, clear rules, common standards, and investment-driving supply chains.

Shared Values and Global Leadership

• ⚖️ The agreement is founded on shared values, including democracy, the rules-based international order, and respect for the planet, communities, and nations.
• 🎯 President Lula is recognized for his deep commitment to these values, providing essential leadership in today's world.
• 🗓️ The agreement's timing is significant, preceding the 20th anniversary of the strategic partnership with Brazil.

Future Cooperation: Critical Raw Materials

• ⛏️ Europe and Brazil are progressing towards a political agreement on critical raw materials, including lithium, nickel, and rare earth.
• ⚡ This cooperation is vital for digital and clean transitions and for ensuring strategic independence in a world where minerals can be instruments of coercion.
• 🌱 Europe's approach prioritizes transparency, environmental respect, and ensuring local communities are the main beneficiaries.