Lula Sets Dec. 20 Target to Sign EU–Mercosur Trade Deal

Overview

• Lula said in Johannesburg he plans to sign the agreement during the Mercosur leaders’ summit in Foz do Iguaçu on December 20.
• Brazilian, French and EU leaders briefly discussed the pact on the sidelines of the G20, according to people present at the meeting.
• The EU Council is scheduled to meet the day before, with expectations that Ursula von der Leyen could travel to Brazil for a signing if cleared.
• If a full Mercosur ceremony in Foz does not materialize, Brazil could host an event in Brasília and sign on behalf of the bloc as its rotating president.
• The deal would phase out or cut many tariffs and set quotas for sensitive goods such as meat, yet it would still require formal signature and approvals by national legislatures before taking effect.