Progress in negotiations was praised by participants at the LIDE Brazil Italy Forum, who say they see Brazil as a strategic partner
The minister of the STF (Supreme Federal Court) Gilmar Mendes praised, this Tuesday (Nov 25, 2025), the progress of the agreement between the EU (European Union) and Mercosur, on December 20, at the opening of the LIDE Brazil Italy Forum. The dean of the Supreme Court was alongside the secretary general of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Riccardo Guariglia, and the Italian Minister of Agriculture, Francesco Lollobrigida.
In his speech, Gilmar said that understanding “articulates values, commitments and long-term expectations”. According to him, the blocks “represent more than 700 million people and around 20% of the world’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product)”which gives the agreement “potential to redefine competitiveness standards, consolidate integrated value chains and stimulate investments of a strategic nature”.
The minister stated that, for Mercosur and especially for Brazil, the pact works as “privileged bridge for productive diversification”expanding access to more demanding markets. For the EU, he said, the South American bloc offers “economic complementarity, security in the supply of critical inputs and opportunities for technological cooperation”.
Gilmar also declared that Brazil is capable of establishing itself as a “prosperous, innovative and environmentally sustainable economy”but highlighted that the country needs “be careful” to its structural challenges.
Guariglia cited the final phase of analysis of the text and classified the recent progress in negotiations as a result of the role played by Brazil in the rotating presidency of Mercosur. “Italy considers the measures intended by the European Union to accompany the agreement on Mercosur to be very promising and positive”he stated.
For the Italian secretary, this is a “extremely important understanding”. He said he sees Brazil as “strategic partner with whom to share a vision of development and openness to international trade”.
Lollobrigida reiterated support for rapprochement with Mercosur and said that reducing barriers is beneficial when it guarantees equal conditions for competition. “Breaking down tariff systems, barriers, this is always positive, as long as […] give all systems the possibility of competing.”he declared.
He also stated that some Italian agri-food sectors still require adjustments, but assessed that the final clarifications could “improve operating conditions”. The Italian minister thanked Brazil for accepting the inclusion of rules for the protection of geographical indications in the agreement. “This is not protectionism”these.
For Lollobrigida, the measure preserves “quality as a fundamental element” and protects productions that “couldn’t resist” without recognizing its specificity. He concluded by saying wait “a global growth of our economies […] in the name of a solid friendship” between countries.
The Mercosur-European Union agreement has been negotiated for 25 years. If implemented, it will create a free trade zone between the bloc that contains Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and the 27 EU countries. The advance will take place after successive restrictions imposed by , especially in France and Austria. Here is the agreement (PDF – 138 kB).
The president (PT), told the journalist on Sunday (Nov 23), in a speech after the G20 in Johannesburg (South Africa), that he believes the agreement will be signed on December 20.
