Lula Presses EU–Mercosur Deal, Coordinates Venezuela De-escalation With Putin

Overview

• Lula spoke by phone with Vladimir Putin on January 14 about Venezuela and agreed to coordinate efforts through the UN and BRICS to reduce tensions.
• Planalto confirmed the conversation, which Brazil initiated, as both sides stressed respect for Venezuelan sovereignty.
• On January 13, Lula spoke with Portugal’s prime minister, Luís Montenegro, with both committing to accelerate implementation of the EU–Mercosur agreement and to avoid instability in South America.
• EU institutions have approved the trade pact, the formal signing is scheduled for January 17 in Paraguay, and Brazil will be represented by Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira.
• The diplomatic outreach follows the U.S. military operation on January 3 that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, heightening regional concerns.