The 65th Summit of the Heads of State of the Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR) and Associated States, which takes place in Montevideo on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 December 2024, represents a decisive moment for the regional bloc. During the event, Uruguay will transfer the Pro Tempore Presidency to Argentina for the first half of 2025. In addition, expectations are growing for significant progress in the negotiation of the trade agreement with the European Union and for the official incorporation of the Republic of Panama as an Associated State to the bloc.
Summit Highlights Agenda
The activity began on Thursday with the meeting of the Common Market Council, the highest body responsible for political leadership and decision-making in MERCOSUR, made up of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Economy. The highlight will take place on Friday: the Summit of Presidents of MERCOSUR and Associated CountriesThe official agenda details the following main events, all at the MERCOSUR headquarters:
- 08: 15: Arrival of delegations.
- 08: 30: Meeting between the European Union and MERCOSUR.
- 09: 15: Family photography.
- 09: 20: Press conference.
- 10: 20: Arrival of the Heads of State.
- 10: 30: Summit of Presidents with the participation of leaders from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia (in the process of full accession) and representatives of Associate States.
- 12: 30: Official photo.
In addition, during the day, Panama will formalize its accession as an Associate State to MERCOSUR by signing the Economic Complementation Agreement with the Member States.
A scenario of political and commercial definitions
The summit will not only serve to hand over the six-month presidency, but also to address key issues such as the conclusion of the MERCOSUR-European Union agreement, which has been under negotiation for more than two decades. The event is also expected to reaffirm Bolivia's intention to fully integrate into the bloc as an active member.
The meeting takes place in a symbolic setting: the permanent headquarters of MERCOSUR, in the emblematic Parque Rodó in Montevideo, a location close to the city center and the coast of the Río de la Plata.
In this way, this 65th Summit offers the opportunity to consolidate strategic decisions in favour of integration and strengthening relations with regional and global partners such as the European Union.
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