ECR MEP Michele Picaro, Vice-Chair of the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with Brazil, took part in an official European Parliament delegation visit to Brasília and Rio de Janeiro.

During the mission, Members of the delegation met the Vice-President of Brazil, ministers and parliamentarians. Discussions focused on political and trade relations, defence and security cooperation, as well as the provisional application of the Mercosur agreement.

Picaro, who is also a member of the ECR EuroLat Working Group, said:

“At a very critical international moment, Europeans citizens are concerned about the repercussions of various ongoing international conflicts and it is even more necessary to work to strengthen international alliances. Brazil offers great opportunities.

“We must work to ensure that the agreement with Mercosur can bring the desired benefits and does not create additional difficulties for the agricultural sector. This is why I have emphasized the importance of greater controls and reciprocity.

“We must encourage the presence of European companies and increase investment and trade, also taking into account that under the Lula’s government Chinese presence has increased significantly.

“Another area of great interest is cooperation in the energy sector and critical raw materials, of which Brazil is very rich.

“The issue of security and the fight against drug trafficking, is another area on which President Lula has failed to achieve satisfactory results.

“Europe and Brazil not only share history, values, and religion, but also have many future challenges to overcome together, and for this reason, it is essential to continue strengthening bilateral relations.”