On Monday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen begins a four-nation trip to Latin America to strengthen political and trade relations the EU concedes it has neglected.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine, the EU has sought “like-minded” partners to provide commerce and crucial minerals for its green transition and lessen its dependency on China.
Von der Leyen will meet Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Mexico presidents on successive days. Her trip follows German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s earlier this year and comes a week before Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva visited Paris.
Brussels will host more than 30 Latin American and Caribbean officials on July 17-18, launching its “new agenda” with the area announced last week.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the cooperation had been “taken for granted, or even neglected” and needed “partners of choice.”
Von der Leyen will prioritize the Mercosur trade pact, which was halted in 2019 owing to Amazon deforestation concerns.
The EU expects a Mercosur response shortly to its request to include sustainability and climate change commitments.
Von der Leyen will press to upgrade the 2018 EU-Mexico trade accord.
The EU’s goal for vital raw material ties with certain region countries will be another focus. EU corporations might gain access to Chile’s lithium and copper through a trade pact.
With Argentina’s cooperation, EU investors may explore the Vaca Muerta shale oil and gas potential.
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