Latest news and stories about mercosur in Portugal for expats and residents.
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The bloc, which includes Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia (currently in the accession process), signed a trade agreement with the European Union on January 17th, creating one of the largest free trade areas on the planet.
Brussels now needs to formally notify the South American group of its intention to provisionally implement the accord.
Sectors such as olive oil, wine and fruit expect significant benefits, but small and medium-sized producers of cereals, meat and honey will face direct and disproportionate competition.
The Brazilian government has said it intends to accelerate the ratification process for the Mercosur agreement.
José Manuel Fernandes says the agreement is lawful and is an 'opportunity Portugal cannot miss'.
Farmers are protesting because they fear unfair competition.
Farmers hope to be able to pressurise MEPs.
A group of 145 MEPs, including João Ferreira and Catarina Martins, has requested an opinion from the European Court of Justice on certain aspects of the agreement. If the request is approved, the agreement could be put at risk.
Disagreements within the European Parliament about the EU–Mercosur deal risk blocking its ratification.
In Paraguay, EU leaders were confronted with a threat from Donald Trump, who promised to impose tariffs on countries that support Denmark against the US annexation of Greenland.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the Mercosur agreement represents a declaration of choosing fair trade over tariffs, signalling a commitment to fair trade rather than protectionist tariffs.
The European Commission and the European Council regard approval of the Mercosur deal as a historic moment, but the agreement is far from consensual. Divisions among member states persist, and the European Parliament, which will have to ratify the proposal, is still seeking majorities.
Economist António Nogueira Leite says the agreement with Mercosur means “a trade gain that will benefit both areas” and that the EU “gains access to a market with growth potential”.
Portugal's Prime Minister António Costa supports the agreement with Mercosur and argues that the criticisms are based on a 'completely wrong perception'.
At 08:00, Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa says the agreement with Mercosur represents a sign of openness.
The President of the European Council refers to criticism from some agricultural sectors in Europe. Also, Donald Trump says the United States are in talks with NATO about acquiring Greenland.
The four Mercosur countries account for just 1.3% of Portuguese exports, and Brazil represents 95% of that. For business leaders, it means there is plenty of ground to conquer in a market of almost 300 million.
The European Union and Mercosur are scheduled to sign an agreement at 00:00 on Saturday.
Meeting with Lula precedes signing in Asunción. The trade agreement will eliminate tariffs on 91% of European exports and 92% of South American exports, benefiting the automotive and agri-food sectors.
"That would be the end,” said one lawmaker as Spanish peers go silent.
Home Portugal Europe has chosen the future - Portugal is ready to lead it Europe has chosen the future - Portugal is ready to lead it For almost thirty years, the agreement between the European Union and Mercosur was a project postponed, discussed, contested and, by many, considered impossible.
André Pestana calls for the defence of Portuguese farmers. The presidential candidate criticises the European Union's agreement with Mercosur.
A representative of the agricultural sector says Europe and South America can only 'compete on an equal footing' if there is rigorous enforcement of the rules imposed by the trade agreement.
The candidate criticised Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa for not taking a stance with the Government.
