Overview

• During his state visit, Lula and Macron signed a dozen cooperation agreements across environment, technology, defense, energy and health.
• Lula pledged not to leave his six-month Mercosur presidency without finalizing a deal with the European Union.
• Macron insisted the current EU-Mercosur agreement is unacceptable under France’s strict environmental and competitiveness standards.
• The pact would expand EU exports of automobiles and machinery in return for Mercosur exports of meat, fruits and sugar but needs backing from at least 15 EU member states.
• In a joint press conference, Lula condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza as a 'premeditated genocide' and urged recognition of a Palestinian state.