However, the text goes further and, as exclusively expected by UOL, highlights that any kind of barrier imposed by the Europeans will be met with a mechanism that would allow a “realignment of commercial concessions”. In other words, Mercosur would give itself the right to review any opening to a sector of interest to Europeans.
EU environmental movements and the Greens reacted with concern, warning that Mercosur’s gesture, if accepted by the EU, could mean a weakening of the fight against deforestation.
But the office of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is hopeful that an agreement can be reached by December this year.
According to the Brazilian government, the offer was received positively by the Europeans and there is room for negotiation that would allow a possible agreement after more than two decades of negotiations.
Meeting this Monday on the sidelines of the UN
The issue will be the subject of a meeting of Mercosur foreign ministers who are in New York this Monday to attend the UN General Assembly. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will open the event this Tuesday with a speech in which he will emphasize the need for reform of the international system and more space for emerging countries.