Speaking to reporters in Brasília late on 18 December, Finance Minister Fernando Haddad said advancing the EU-Mercosur trade agreement is Brazil’s top geopolitical priority, adding that “there is far more at stake than trade.” Haddad revealed he had personally appealed to French President Emmanuel Macron to overcome domestic opposition and sign the long-negotiated accord, which was politically approved in 2024 but still awaits ratification.
Haddad’s comments came hours after President Lula phoned Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who offered conditional support but needs to win over Italian farmers. Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told EU leaders the signing has been delayed again—fueling frustration in Brasília.
![Haddad Calls EU-Mercosur Deal a ‘Geopolitical Priority,’ Urges Europe to Finalise Pact]()
From a mobility angle, the mega-deal would not only slash tariffs but also create a business-traveller framework that speeds up short-term assignments, mutual recognition of professional qualifications and streamlined customs for household goods. Companies moving personnel between Brazil and Europe therefore have a direct stake in the outcome.
If France and Italy continue to block the pact, Brazilian officials are hinting they may seek bilateral side-agreements or tighten market-access conditions for EU contractors bidding on infrastructure projects. Mobility managers should track the political temperature: a rapid breakthrough could require immediate re-alignment of EU–Brazilian visa-quota allocations for intra-company transferees.
Haddad’s comments came hours after President Lula phoned Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who offered conditional support but needs to win over Italian farmers. Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told EU leaders the signing has been delayed again—fueling frustration in Brasília.
From a mobility angle, the mega-deal would not only slash tariffs but also create a business-traveller framework that speeds up short-term assignments, mutual recognition of professional qualifications and streamlined customs for household goods. Companies moving personnel between Brazil and Europe therefore have a direct stake in the outcome.
If France and Italy continue to block the pact, Brazilian officials are hinting they may seek bilateral side-agreements or tighten market-access conditions for EU contractors bidding on infrastructure projects. Mobility managers should track the political temperature: a rapid breakthrough could require immediate re-alignment of EU–Brazilian visa-quota allocations for intra-company transferees.
Source: Reuters
