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razilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, right, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pose for photos at Planalto palace in Brasilia, Brazil, Monday, June 12, 2023.
EUROPEAN Union chief Ursula von der Leyen claimed on Monday that a free trade deal with Latin America’s Mercosur bloc could be struck by the end of the year.
But Brazilian President Luiz Inacio “Lula” da Silva remained more cautious, insisting he would stand by exemptions allowing Brazil to plan its economic and industrial development.
Ms von der Leyen met President Lula on Monday at the start of a tour of the four Mercosur countries — Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay — in a bid to increase trade.
US tariffs have had Von der Leyen bowing in submission, while comments from the former European Central Bank leader call for more European political integration and less individual state sovereignty. All this adds up to more pain and austerity ahead, argues NICK WRIGHT
