In an era of instability, the EU–Mercosur Agreement strengthens Europe
The agreement will eliminate billions of euros in customs duties, open up public procurement markets and give businesses the predictability to plan, expand and invest. Opinion piece by Ursula von der Leyen
21:00 — AIP welcomes EU–Mercosur trade agreement
AIP views the agreement signed today as a way of reducing trade barriers and reinforcing European competitiveness. Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters are heading to the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The EU–Mercosur agreement in an 'America First' world
The deal with Mercosur is Europe's repudiation of the Trumpist corollary of 'America First' and of the unvarnished return to the old logic of spheres of influence. Editorial by Tiago Luz Pedro
AIP welcomes EU-Mercosur deal: 'It's an opportunity for growth for Portuguese companies'
The Portuguese Industrial Association says the agreement signed this Saturday strengthens the European Union's external standing and could open a new cycle of growth and competitiveness for the national industry.
EU-Mercosur agreement signed, creating the world's largest free-trade area
The signing took place in Paraguay, after negotiations that lasted more than 25 years.
At best, the EU–Mercosur agreement will only come into force in October
Economist Filipe Grilo explains that the EU–Mercosur agreement is expected to start producing economic effects only from October, after several stages of ratification. Portugal could benefit from exports of wine, olive oil and aeronautical components, although some European agricultural sectors will face increased competition.
EU–Mercosur agreement took 30 years to materialise
The agreement will finally be signed this weekend. The European Union and Mercosur are finalising a free-trade area covering more than 700 million consumers. Portugal has products poised to enter this market.
09:00 — EU–Mercosur agreement to be signed today in Paraguay
The EU–Mercosur agreement is scheduled to be signed in Paraguay at 09:00 today.
Mercosur agreement is signed today
The trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur is being signed this Saturday in Paraguay. It aims to unite economies on both sides of the Atlantic and create the world’s largest free-trade area, with more than 700 million consumers.
AntĂłnio Costa on Mercosur: criticisms in Europe are based on a "completely wrong perception" of the agreement
AntĂłnio Costa says this is a historic agreement between the European Union and Mercosur and rejected criticism that it favours Europe. According to the President of the European Council, it is a trade agreement but also one on investment.
CIP welcomes EU–Mercosur agreement that brings 'great prospects for economic growth'
The Confederation of Portuguese Business says the agreement is “good news for companies”, offering “great prospects for economic growth on both sides of the Atlantic”.
Costa admits EU-Mercosur deal brings 'very limited' competition in some sectors: 'But that's part of economic life'
The President of the European Council says that, in a trade agreement of this magnitude, 'it is evident that in some cases it is better for some, in other cases it is better for others'.
AntĂłnio Costa says criticisms in Europe are based on a 'totally mistaken perception' of the Mercosur agreement
Last week, the 27 member states of the European Union reached a qualified majority to approve the agreement.
5h. European Union to sign agreement with Mercosur this Saturday
Twenty-five years after negotiations began, the doors will open to the world’s largest free-trade area. Brazilian leader Lula da Silva says the agreement will make history.
04:00 - Agreement with Mercosur signed today
At 04:00, an agreement with Mercosur was signed today.
03:00 - EU and Mercosur sign agreement
03:00 — The European Union and Mercosur have signed an agreement.
EU–Mercosur Agreement safeguards European farmers
The European Commission has introduced a package of measures to protect the most sensitive agricultural sectors, ensuring the relationship between the two blocs yields reciprocal benefits.
EU–Mercosur agreement: a powerful message of 'the largest market in the world', says Ursula
The President of the European Commission praised the signing today of the trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur, saying it sends a 'powerful message' because it creates 'the largest market in the world'.
EU–Mercosur: Lula celebrates end of '25 years of suffering'
'More trade means new jobs on both sides of the Atlantic,' said Brazil's President about the signing of the trade agreement covering a market of more than 700 million people.
EU–Mercosur agreement: 'A partnership of multilateralism', says Lula
The President of Brazil says the signing of the trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur is a historic moment.
Lula da Silva says signing of trade agreement between EU and Mercosur ends '25 years of suffering'
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said the signing of a trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur marks the end of '25 years of suffering'.
Portugal calls EU–Mercosur deal an opportunity; producers warn caution
Diário de NotĂcias and Correio da ManhĂŁ report the Portuguese government describes the long‑running EU–Mercosur agreement as an economic opportunity, while domestic producers and farming groups urge Brussels to proceed cautiously to protect local sectors. The coverage highlights continuing divisions over market access, environmental and regulatory safeguards after 25 years of negotiation. Exporters and agricultural businesses should monitor EU negotiations and any safeguards that may affect competitive conditions.
Mercosur is the South American trade bloc (Southern Common Market) whose main founding members are Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. An EU–Mercosur trade agreement — which the story says may be approved and signed soon — would reduce tariffs and open markets on both sides, affecting agricultural and industrial trade flows and therefore prices and business opportunities relevant to residents and companies in Portugal.
Mercosur is the South American trade bloc (Southern Common Market) whose main founding members are Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. An EU–Mercosur trade agreement — which the story says may be approved and signed soon — would reduce tariffs and open markets on both sides, affecting agricultural and industrial trade flows and therefore prices and business opportunities relevant to residents and companies in Portugal.
António Costa misses meeting with Lula da Silva but will attend signing of EU–Mercosur agreement
The issue was the cancellation of a connecting flight between Frankfurt and SĂŁo Paulo, which prevented the President of the European Council from travelling to Brussels.
Farm group says Mercosur optimism is premature
Confagri — the confederation representing Portuguese agriculture interests — told media the government's upbeat stance on the EU‑Mercosur agreement is premature and urged more public and private investment in the agri‑food sector to protect producers. Observador and RTP report Confagri wants safeguards and support so domestic farmers can compete if the trade deal advances. For expats in agri‑business or rural areas: watch later announcements on subsidies, market access and support programmes which can affect regional economies and local services.
Mercosur is the South American trade bloc (Southern Common Market) whose main founding members are Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. An EU–Mercosur trade agreement — which the story says may be approved and signed soon — would reduce tariffs and open markets on both sides, affecting agricultural and industrial trade flows and therefore prices and business opportunities relevant to residents and companies in Portugal.
Confagri is the national confederation that represents agricultural cooperatives in Portugal, acting as a trade association and lobby for producers in policy, investment and trade discussions. Its caution about the EU–Mercosur agreement matters because Confagri speaks for cooperatives that produce food and export goods—its calls for more investment or safeguards can influence government responses, funding priorities and market rules that affect prices and rural jobs.
RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal) is Portugal's state-owned public service broadcaster, operating since 1935 (radio) and 1957 (television). It runs 8 television channels (including RTP1, RTP2, RTP3) and 7 radio stations (Antena 1, 2, 3), plus international services reaching Portuguese diaspora worldwide. Funded by a broadcasting tax on electricity bills and advertising revenue, RTP serves as Portugal's cultural reference, providing quality news, education, and entertainment. Its archive represents "irreplaceable heritage in Portuguese collective memory", and it pioneered online streaming with RTP Play in 2011. RTP connects "Portugal and the Portuguese to themselves, to each other, and to the world"
European Union confirms it will sign Mercosur treaty on Saturday
The European Commission confirmed that President Ursula von der Leyen will sign the EU–Mercosur free trade agreement on Saturday 17 January, after the EU approved advancement of the deal despite objections from France, Hungary and Poland. Supporters argue the pact will boost exports and deepen ties with South America, while farmers and some domestic political actors warn of negative impacts on agriculture and standards. The move has been framed by some commentators as a rare act of multilateral diplomacy amid broader geopolitical tensions.
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