Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has urged the European Union to demonstrate greater resolve in finalizing the long-pending free trade agreement with the South American bloc Mercosur. Speaking at the Mercosur summit in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, President Lula emphasized that a lack of political will among heads of state and government would prevent the conclusion of negotiations that have spanned 26 years. He highlighted the significant scope of the proposed deal, which would encompass over 700 million people, positioning it as potentially the largest agreement of its kind. Lula also noted a recent conversation with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who he stated committed to signing the agreement in early January. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had previously voiced optimism regarding Italy’s potential consent, further indicating a push for the agreement’s ratification. The Brazilian president’s remarks underscore ongoing efforts to bring the extensive negotiations to a close.

Source: https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/brasiliens-praesident-macht-druck-auf-die-eu-in-sachen-mercosur-abkommen-100.html