Brazilian Finance Minister Fernando Haddad urged the European Union to consider the political significance of its trade deal with Mercosur rather than focusing solely on economic factors.
Speaking at a conference at Sciences Po university in Paris on Monday, Haddad emphasized that while the agreement may offer limited economic benefits for Mercosur, its political value is crucial for both parties.
“In my opinion, Europe should also take a political look at this agreement, not just discuss every single 'win or lose' clause in the text,” Haddad stated.
The EU-Mercosur free trade agreement, concluded in December, promises about 4 billion euros ($4.33 billion) in annual tariff reductions. However, the deal still awaits approval from EU member states and faces resistance from countries such as France and Italy.
Haddad argued that embracing multilateralism is essential amid the uncertainty caused by U.S. tariff policies. He also noted that the Brazilian finance ministry is committed to ensuring the success of COP30, which Brazil will host in November, as part of restoring global multilateralism.
The trade deal is seen as an opportunity for both blocs to strengthen ties and counterbalance a potentially fragmented global landscape.
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Britain and Israel have reached a temporary compromise over the future of the British Consulate General in East Jerusalem, easing a diplomatic dispute that had threatened to further strain relations between the two countries.
South African judge Navanethem “Navi” Pillay won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday “for her efforts to promote peace and international law,” the Norwegian Nobel Committee said.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed surprise after Donald Trump mediated the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agreement in 2025, the U.S. President said at a rally in New York state on Friday.
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