Skip to main content
NEU Senior Industrial Organiser
Brazil will insist on control of procurement policy, Lula tells von der Leyen in setback for EU trade deal
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.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
SCARING TRUMP: (Left to right) Brazil’s President Luiz Ina
Features / 24 February 2025
24 February 2025
The towering figures of the North American right and the South American left are set to clash this summer as Brazil hosts Brics, an alliance Trump is determined to smash, reports TONY BURKE