Eu Mercosur Political Agreement

5 septembre 2023

The EU-Mercosur Political Agreement: What You Need to Know

The European Union (EU) and the Mercado Común del Sur (Mercosur) have recently announced the signing of a new political agreement, which aims to strengthen the relationship between the two regions. The agreement covers a broad range of issues, from trade and investment to human rights and environmental protection. Here’s a closer look at what you need to know about the EU-Mercosur Political Agreement.

What is the EU-Mercosur Political Agreement?

The EU-Mercosur Political Agreement is a comprehensive framework for cooperation between the EU and the Mercosur countries. The agreement was signed on June 28, 2019, after almost two decades of negotiations. The Mercosur countries include Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

What does the agreement cover?

The agreement covers a wide range of areas, including political dialogue, trade and investment, sustainable development, human rights, and social and cultural cooperation. The agreement aims to enhance cooperation between the EU and the Mercosur countries by promoting free trade, investment, and economic growth. It also includes provisions to protect the environment, promote sustainable development, and safeguard human rights.

What are the benefits of the agreement?

The EU-Mercosur Political Agreement is expected to bring numerous benefits to both regions. For the EU, the agreement will provide access to a market of over 260 million people in Mercosur countries, with a combined GDP of over $2.5 trillion. The agreement will also provide EU companies with greater access to public procurement opportunities in Mercosur countries, and facilitate investments in the region.

For Mercosur countries, the agreement will provide access to the world’s largest economy, with a market of over 500 million consumers. It will also promote economic diversification and attract investments from the EU. The agreement will help to increase regional integration and promote sustainable development in the region.

What are the challenges of the agreement?

There are some challenges associated with the EU-Mercosur Political Agreement. Some experts have raised concerns about the potential environmental and social impacts of increased trade and investment between the two regions. In particular, there are concerns about deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, which could be exacerbated by increased trade in agricultural products. There are also concerns about the potential impact on small farmers and indigenous communities in Mercosur countries.

Overall, the EU-Mercosur Political Agreement represents an important step forward in the relationship between the EU and the Mercosur countries. The agreement is expected to bring significant economic and social benefits to both regions, while also promoting sustainable development and protecting the environment. However, it will be important for both sides to address the challenges associated with increased trade and investment to ensure that the benefits of the agreement are shared equitably.