Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva wants the EU/Mercosur agreement to be signed quickly, to then “discuss an agreement between China and Mercosur”, he said during his visit to Uruguay. The country has entered into bilateral negotiations with Beijing, which is causing concern in the EU, which does not want China to gain influence in Latin America.
The signing of the EU/Mercosur agreement is “urgent and indispensable” for the Brazilian President, as it is for some MEPs, notably in the EPP, who are calling on the Commission and the Member States to make rapid progress in the discussions with Mercosur (see EUROPE 13105/8).
The Swedish Presidency of the EU Council is also in favour of this, but is well aware of the reluctance of some Member States. However, it hopes to make progress in the run-up to the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) summit in Brussels on 17-18 July (see EUROPE 13107/17). (LM)