Better than predicted. The European Union-Brazil summit that unfolded in Lisbon reached, and even surpassed, the results expected. These results can be summarised in the following way:
1. Political relations rekindled. The meeting between President Lula da Silva and the European authorities was warm and friendly. It is true that, at meetings of this kind, everyone hugs each other and rhetoric flows. But this time, both sides felt that conviviality was a must because too many earlier negotiations had stalled, for example the talks on the EU-Mercosur free trade area or the respective concessions in the Doha Round. The historical, cultural and other links that unite Brazil and Europe are such that any coolness would have been unacceptable.
2. Realistic aims. The creation of the largest free trade area between the EU and Mercosur is not even mentioned in the final joint declaration. The conclusion of an EU/Mercosur agreement is evoked, but with one reasonable objective to: “further deepen region-to-region economic relations” and investment. This is desirable and possible, although Mercosur's internal situation does not give rise to optimism.
3. Moderation regarding the Doha Round. The tone is finally reasonable and balanced. The sought-for result is an “ambitious, comprehensive and balanced agreement that fulfils the development objectives of the Round and significantly fosters trade flows in agriculture, industrial goods and services among and between developed and developing countries, as well as promoting effective trade rules”. These terms were obviously weighed word for word, placing the agricultural, industrial and services trade on the same footing, and not forgetting to mention trade regulations. The whole thing, as one can see, lends itself to different interpretations. President Lula da Silva has been wise and moderate, telling the press of the requirement that the Doha Round should bring at least a small benefit to the poor countries, and saying he is willing to show proof of flexibility. This is encouraging given the declarations by those who continue to consider total liberalisation of agricultural trade as advantageous for the poor countries, when they would in fact be the main victims. I shall come back to the recent declarations from Africa and India, that prove there is a growing awareness of this truth that the large exporting countries and the retail trade refuse to recognise. Lula da Silva has been shrewd. Will the Brazilian negotiators at the Doha Round be just as shrewd?
4. Bilateral strategic alliance. The summit's final declaration establishes an ambitious programme for collaboration - “political dialogue at the highest political level” on foreign policy; the continuation of existing sector-specific dialogue on maritime transport, science, technology, and the information society; enhanced dialogue on the environment and sustainable development; the launching of dialogue on energy, regional development, employment and social affairs, culture and education; and a regular consultation mechanism on health and phytosanitary policies.
One might ask: Do these “dialogues” represent a sufficient instrument for creating true partnership? All depends on the political resolve shown by the partners and the concrete nature of the dossiers under debate, and the discussions themselves. The above-mentioned areas cover essential aspects of Euro-Brazilian cooperation such as maritime policy, the environment (involving protection of Amazonia) and above all energy. Convergence of views on biofuels could open the road to large-scale industrial and commercial cooperation agreements (see following point), if the political will (set out in the text) is given concrete substance to “cooperate and ensure the sustainable production, use and development of all forms of energy, including biofuels, as well as to promote renewable energy sources”.
5. Brussels conference on biofuels (to follow the Lisbon summit). The declaration by President Lula da Silva at this conference was not only brilliant but also largely convincing in response to the considerable criticism that has been, and is still being, made concerning his country as a large producer and large exporter of biofuels. On the European side, emphasis has been placed on the counter-indications that undermine production surpluses. The Brazilian president gave his assurance that his country has taken or is still taking adequate precautions and counter-measures. This is a colossal affair that can largely determine the ecological, energy and food future of the world, on which opinions continue to be partially divided, and which therefore deserves a specific commentary. (F.R.)