There are 27 EU countries plus four from South America
The president of the European Commission announced that the European Union (EU) and the countries of the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) have reached political consensus for what will be the largest trade agreement in the world.
“Today marks a truly historic milestone and allow me to begin by thanking the main negotiators for their dedication and commitment [pois] they worked tirelessly for many, many years to achieve an ambitious and balanced unity”, declared Ursula von der Leyen.
Speaking to the press from Montevideo, Uruguay, where she attended a meeting of EU and Mercosur leaders regarding negotiations on this trade and investment partnership that will serve a market of 700 million consumers, the leader of the community executive stressed that “this agreement is not just an economic opportunity, it is a political necessity”.
Also speaking on the occasion, the Uruguayan President, Luis Pou, representing all Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay), highlighted “the relevance of today”.
On the occasion, the Brazilian President, Lula da Silva, was also present, from whom Ursula von der Leyen said she expected “efforts to protect the Amazon”.
The EU and Mercosur have maintained regular contact, which has allowed political negotiations to be concluded today, particularly on issues such as environmental commitments, after a first approval in 2019, which was not followed up.
The EU-Mercosur agreement covers the 27 EU Member States plus Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, equivalent to 25% of the global economy and 780 million people, almost 10% of the world’s population.
