This week begins with progress on MERCOSUR's extra-regional agenda.
The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in charge of the Pro Tempore Presidency (PPT), reported that the Next Tuesday, September 16th, will take place in Rio de Janeiro the meeting of foreign ministers of the MERCOSUR member states, chaired by Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira.
On this occasion, the following will be carried out: Signing of the Free Trade Agreement between MERCOSUR and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), block composed of Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein. This bloc represents a market of 14 million people with high purchasing power, making it a strategic partner for MERCOSUR.
For this reason, the The signing of the trade agreement with EFTA has become a priority objective for the bloc. As official sources indicate, negotiations formally concluded in August 2019, with key issues still pending, such as rules of origin, market access for goods, public procurement, services, and investment (MERCOSUR Secretariat, 2023). Between 2020 and 2023, the process slowed down pending decisions regarding the reopening of negotiations with the European Union and new additions related to sustainable development. In March 2024, an agreement was reached to relaunch negotiations following a roadmap proposed by Argentina, which allowed for the conclusion of the agreement, which will be signed this Tuesday.
According to the Brazilian diplomatic ministry, the meeting will present the priorities of the Brazilian Pro Tempore Presidency (PPTB) and the prospects for the regional integration process will be discussed. Brazil's central objectives include:
- the consolidation of the customs union,
- the diversification of the economic and commercial associations of MERCOSUR,
- and the modernization and deepening of existing regional agreements.
Likewise, the PPTB will highlight the importance of support Bolivia's full accession process to the block.
The meeting will also address the social and citizen dimension of MERCOSUR, with emphasis on the role of the Institute of Public Policies on Human Rights (IPPDH) and the Social Institute of MERCOSUR (ISM) in strengthening democracy, promoting and protecting human rights, and combating hunger and extreme poverty in the region.
Another priority will be the launch of the “MERCOSUR Strategy to Combat Organized Crime”, aimed at strengthening cooperation in public security matters. In addition, the MERCOSUR Social Summit, a forum for dialogue between civil society and governments, was confirmed to be held in person.
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