Madrid – The President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, has expressed optimism regarding the imminent signing of the agreement between the EU and Mercosur, viewing it as a “giant step” towards enhancing relations between Europe and Latin America.
“I believe we are close to signing the agreement between the European Union and Mercosur, for which Spain has made significant efforts,” Sánchez stated during the inauguration of the Conference of Ambassadors at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
His comments align with the expectation that this week the Twenty-Seven will approve the negotiating mandate by qualified majority, facilitating the signing of the agreement with the bloc comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay soon.
Sánchez believes that if the agreement is finalized after decades of negotiations, the EU will take a significant step in strengthening its ties with Latin America and the Caribbean.
Considering the current global realignment, Sánchez emphasized that “Europe needs allies, it needs friends.” He noted that “if there is one continent with which we share numerous values, from both a Spanish and a European perspective, it is the Ibero-American continent,” asserting that “Latin America cannot remain Europe’s overlooked region.”
He also highlighted Spain’s commitment to “trade agreements with India, Indonesia, Mexico, and the digital accord with South Korea.”
Albares: “There are no more excuses to delay it”
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, also commented on the Mercosur agreement, stating, “It must be concluded; we have been dragging this negotiation for 25 years, and there are no more excuses for delay.”
Albares pointed out that the EU and Mercosur would create “the world’s most significant free trade area, with 700 million people, leading to annual savings of over 4 billion euros in tariffs.” He emphasized that “this is not just a trade agreement; it represents a political partnership commitment to that region.”
The agreement is an opportunity, not a threat
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, Luis Planas, views Mercosur as a “great opportunity” rather than a “threat,” expressing confidence that the trade agreement could be finalized this week.
“Seeing Mercosur as a threat is a serious mistake; it is a significant opportunity, particularly for the agri-food sector,” Planas stated during a media gathering. He mentioned an important meeting with Member States upcoming and expressed optimism about achieving a qualified majority for ratifying Mercosur.
The Agriculture Minister, who attended a meeting of agriculture ministers in Brussels, underscored that this agreement “is crucial” for the EU from both commercial and political perspectives. “I hope the qualified majority is confirmed on Friday, allowing us to finalize the agreement, as its implementation is vital,” Planas concluded. (January 8)
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