Asunción, Agencia IP.- The European Union and Mercosur reached an agreement this Friday, concluding a long negotiation process and marking a milestone for both regions. «We have the chance to create a market of 700 million people,» highlighted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
She noted that the Mercosur partnership would benefit consumers and businesses significantly, facilitating European investment in strategic industries across Mercosur countries and easing investment in sectors directly impacting daily lives.
Additionally, von der Leyen pointed out that this agreement benefits Europe, as 60,000 companies currently export to Mercosur, 30,000 of which are small and medium-sized enterprises. These businesses will gain from reduced tariffs, simplified customs procedures, and preferential access to essential raw materials.
She also addressed concerns from European agricultural producers, stating that they have listened to and are acting on them. «This agreement includes robust safeguards to protect your livelihoods. EU Mercosur is the biggest agreement ever when it comes to the protection of EU food and drink products. And in addition, our European health and food standards remain untouchable,» she affirmed.
On her social media platform X, von der Leyen posted: «We have concluded the negotiations for the EU-Mercosur agreement. It marks the beginning of a new story. I now look forward to discussing it with EU countries. This agreement will work for people and businesses. More jobs. More choices. Shared prosperity.»
Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou, host of the meeting, stated that «an agreement of this kind is not a solution but an opportunity.» He emphasized, «It is up to each of us in our countries to determine the speed at which we advance this agreement.»