President arrived in Catalonia on Thursday night (16 April) and will meet with the head of the Spanish government on Friday (17 April)
The president (PT) arrived on Thursday night (April 17, 2026) in Barcelona. Disembarkation marks the beginning of the tour PT member’s 6-day tour of Europe, where he will meet at least 3 European heads of state. In addition to Spain, Lula will also travel to Germany and then to Portugal.
Upon his arrival, the PT member did not speak to the press, but posed for some photos with supporters at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport. On Friday (17 April), Lula will meet with the head of government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez (Psoe, left), at the Royal Palace of Pedralbes, in Barcelona.
The expectation is to sign bilateral agreements with Spain, but also to ensure Spanish support for Brazilian intentions with the Mercosur-European Union agreement. The Brazilian government intends to use the provisional entry into force of the treaty, scheduled for May 1st, as a political and economic asset during the trip.
Lula remains in Spain until Saturday (18 April). On this day, the president participates in the forum “Defending Democracy against Extremism”, a meeting that brings together 10 to 15 leaders from countries that have faced episodes of political extremism. Representatives from Ireland, Slovakia, South Africa, Ghana and Malaysia are confirmed. Leaders such as Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa), Gustavo Petro (Colombia) and Claudia Sheinbaum (Mexico) will also participate.
From Barcelona, the presidential delegation heads to Hannover, on the 19th and 20th. Brazil is the partner country for this year’s edition of Hannover Messe, the largest industrial fair in the world — it is the first time in 46 years that the country has held this position. There will also be a government meeting with ministerial delegations.
In Germany, Lula will meet the German Chancellor (CDEU, center-right). The German politician was involved in a controversy after participating in COP30 in Belém in November last year. When he returned from his trip to Germany, Merz stated that he was “satisfied” to be leaving Belém, the venue for the event.
Squid . Merz, in turn, avoided apologizing and stated that the statement was taken out of context, but said he was willing to.
On his return from Germany, he is scheduled to visit Lisbon, with meetings with the Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, and the President of Portugal, António José Seguro (PS, left).
