This is an epilogue that has been feared by the agricultural world for a long time. The summit of Mercosur, the economic alliance of Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, Argentina and Uruguay which takes place in the latter's capital, Montevideo on December 5 and 6, is likely to be the scene of an agreement with the European Union. Because for several days, the rumor of the conclusion of the negotiations launched 25 years ago has been growing.
On December 3, the Brazilian media UOL announced from a diplomatic source that Lula, the country's president, had given his approval to the latest elements negotiated with the European Union. Information that abounds in that of the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung who claims that a technical agreement has already been obtained a week ago. If a new snag can never be ruled out given the countless twists and turns on this issue, all the planets seem aligned. Well almost.
A thriller called von der Leyen
What is at stake is essential, but not yet decisive. While a separation of the commercial aspect from the rest of the agreement is looming, the opponents, starting with France, are still trying to form a blocking minority. After Poland and Austria already against, Italy, the Netherlands and Ireland are being courted to block the text.
On the other hand, Spain and especially Germany are pushing for it to be adopted. Tuesday, December 3, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock directly pressed the European Commission, according to AFP. “It is essential that the European Commission politically finalizes the free trade agreement with Mercosur,” adding that “the Mercosur summit in Montevideo on Friday is probably the last chance to do so.”
In the meantime, all eyes are on the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen who had still not announced on December 4, her decision regarding her coming to Montevideo, which would signal a favorable outcome to the agreement. One thing is certain, if there is a signature, the agreement would not be implemented for several months. A window which could see legal recourse from opponents appear.
