Lula: EU-Mercosur Deal Still Possible This Year

Wires carrying comments from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stating that a European Union-Mercosur trade agreement is still possible this year, but the EU, "must decide whether it wants a trade agreement with Mercosur or not."

• Per Reuters, Lula says he, "will continue to work to conclude the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, believes it can still be signed," and, "cannot dismiss announcement of Mercosur agreement on trade deal with EU at this week's summit in Rio de Janeiro."
• Reuters also notes positive comments from key European sources. According to a Spanish Economy Ministry source, "EU's rotating presidency Spain still sees ways to clinch Mercosur deal by year-end," and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said: "I am convinced there will be majority in EU Council and Parliament for EU-Mercosur deal."
• Politico reports that the EU, "had hoped to finalize a trade agreement with the Mercosur countries — Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina — in time for a December 7 summit of South American leaders in Brazil," but the election of libertarian Javier Milei in Argentina had, "thrown a wrench" into EU efforts.
• CNN Brazil reported over the weekend that, in response to Milei's Mercosur-sceptical position, a round of EU-Mercosur negotiations slated for the Rio summit was cancelled and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen scrapped plans to attend the summit.