Lula, Merz Reset Ties at G20 With €1 Billion Forest Pledge and 2026 Hannover Visit

Overview

• Germany reaffirmed support for Brazil’s Tropical Forests Forever Fund with a €1 billion contribution announced this week.
• Lula confirmed he will open Hannover Messe in April 2026 as Brazil serves as partner country, and he invited Merz for a state visit to Brazil.
• The two leaders agreed to deepen commercial, social, cultural and technological ties and to work to strengthen the World Trade Organization’s role.
• No formal apology from Merz was reported over his Belém remarks; he described the talk with Lula as pleasant and signaled interest in returning to Brazil.
• Lula said he intends to sign the Mercosul–European Union trade agreement on 20 December, following a G20 conversation with Emmanuel Macron and Ursula von der Leyen.