Lula proposes environmental leadership for Mercosur and celebrates advances in Montevideo

During the 65th Mercosur Summit, held this Friday (6), President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva highlighted the importance of the bloc as a global example of sustainable development and economic integration. The meeting marked the conclusion of negotiations on the agreement between Mercosur and the European Union and the transfer of the bloc’s pro tempore presidency to Argentina.

In a speech, Lula highlighted Mercosur’s ability to lead the energy transition and face global climate challenges. “Our bloc has a historic opportunity to lead the energy transition and face the challenges posed by climate change,” he stated, announcing the Mercosur Verde proposal, a cooperation program for low-carbon agriculture and sustainable exports.

Climate justice and leadership at COP30

The president reinforced Brazil’s commitment to ambitious climate goals, highlighting the new Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which foresees the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions between 59% and 67% by 2035. Lula also called on Mercosur countries and associates to actively participate in COP30, which will be hosted in Belém, Pará, in 2025.

“With COP30 in the Brazilian Amazon, our responsibility increases. We need ambitious NDCs to limit the increase in global temperature to 1.5°C”, he declared, emphasizing Mercosur’s role in leading environmental issues globally.

Economic advances and regional integration

Lula highlighted that Bolivia’s entry makes Mercosur the seventh largest economy in the world, with a combined GDP of almost 3 trillion dollars. The bloc’s internal trade is worth 55 billion dollars, with 75% of this amount in high value-added products. He also celebrated Panama’s entry as the first Associated State in Central America, strengthening ties with the region.

The conclusion of the Mercosur-European Union agreement was another highlight of the event. “We are creating one of the largest free trade areas in the world, bringing together more than 700 million people and a GDP of 22 trillion dollars,” he stated. Lula highlighted that the final text preserves Mercosur’s strategic interests, such as government purchases, deadlines for opening the automotive market and stability mechanisms for commercial concessions.

Investments in infrastructure and reducing inequalities

The president also emphasized strategic projects financed by the Mercosul Structural Convergence Fund (FOCEM), such as the Amambai ring road (MS), which will strengthen relations with Paraguay. Furthermore, he highlighted the South American Integration Routes program, which foresees 190 works to internalize development and reduce transport costs between the Atlantic and the Pacific.

Global cooperation and strengthening democracy

Lula thanked Mercosur for support at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro and reinforced the need to reform global governance to expand Latin America’s representation in organizations such as the UN and Bretton Woods.

The president ended his speech with an appeal for democracy and social justice, highlighting Mercosur’s role in promoting human rights, gender equality and combating racism. “Mercosur is more than an economic bloc; it is a bridge to inclusion and a pillar for democracy.”

The bloc’s presidency now passes to Argentina, with expectations of advances in regional integration and international cooperation in the coming months.

Read the full speech by President Lula