Madrid – The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, has hailed the recent agreement between the European Union and Mercosur as a historic milestone, emphasizing its role in forming an unprecedented “economic bridge” connecting Europe and Latin America.
Sánchez took to social media to express his pleasure following the conclusion of the free trade agreement in Montevideo on Friday, a result of 25 years of negotiations.
The Prime Minister pledged that Spain would advocate for the agreement’s approval by a majority within the European Council. “Opening trade with our Latin American partner nations will enhance prosperity and strength for us all,” he remarked.
Planas asserts EU-Mercosur agreement will bolster Spain’s agri-food sector
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, stated that the free trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur will significantly strengthen the Spanish agri-food sector.
In a social media message, Planas described Mercosur as a tremendous economic opportunity for agriculture, asserting that “Spain stands to benefit significantly. Our agri-food sector will be empowered through this engagement with a continent that shares our cultural and linguistic ties.”
The minister also dedicated this achievement to the memory of Manuel Marín, who served as Vice President of the European Commission from 1993 to 1999, noting, “It has taken us 26 years, but we have finally succeeded. A landmark agreement!”
The Government recognizes the EU-Mercosur agreement as a key foreign trade achievement
The Government views the agreement reached between the EU and Mercosur as the most significant accomplishment in recent years regarding Spain’s and the EU’s foreign trade policy, marking a transformational moment that strengthens the strategic alliance between the two regions.
Sources from Moncloa label the free trade agreement as historic, emphasizing it creates “an unprecedented economic bridge between Europe and Latin America,” achieved after extensive negotiations spanning 25 years.
They highlight that the agreement is balanced and beneficial for both regions, which together encompass 750 million people, forming the world’s largest free trade area, and will provide trade and investment opportunities for businesses of all sizes on both sides of the Atlantic.
Additionally, the agreement is expected to enhance political and economic collaboration, increase economic security, strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy, diversify trade flows, and bolster supply chain resilience, economic growth, and job creation.
Beyond economic advantages, the agreement is poised to deliver social, labor, and environmental benefits, particularly in combating deforestation, as it addresses sustainability and the protection of vulnerable sectors vital to food security.
For Spain, the agreement holds particular significance as a bridge between Latin America and the EU, with the sources highlighting the EU-CELAC Summit held during Spain’s presidency of the EU Council as a testament to Spain’s commitment to Latin America.
Amid global trade tensions, the Government believes this agreement sends a strong message that the EU remains open to business and is eager to pursue further market opportunities.
The internal adoption process within both the European Union and Mercosur is set to commence, anticipated to unfold over the next year, with the Government ready to support the European Commission in achieving a qualified majority while ensuring accurate information prevails, the consulted sources concluded. (December 6)
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