Mercosur deal must bring more than trade, says EU–Brazil delegation chair

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s comeback win gives Brussels four more years with a Brazil that sets its own course. Hélder Sousa Silva, who leads the European Parliament’s contacts with Brasília, tells EU Perspectives the EU should stop treating the partnership as a loyalty test and focus on results instead.

Lula’s victory in the 25 October runoff opens a new chapter in relations between Brasília and Brussels. It promises diplomatic continuity. Yet it comes at a time of growing geopolitical tension. Hélder Sousa Silva (EPP/PRT) chairs the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Brazil. He answered the same questions as the delegation’s Vice-Chair, Michele Picaro (ECR/ITA).

Both men sit in groups that belong to the so-called ‘Venezuela majority’. This informal right-leaning alliance brings together the EPP, the ECR, and the Patriots for Europe. It takes its name from a 2024 vote on Venezuela, when the three groups first joined forces. Yet the two lawmakers see Lula’s Brazil very differently, from foreign policy to the EU–Mercosur agreement.

How do you assess the political implications of the elections for relations between the EU and Brazil?

The elections in Brazil demonstrate the strength and vitality of Brazilian democracy. The result marks the start of a new political phase and creates an opportunity to deepen the partnership between the European Union and Brazil. We share important interests in areas such as trade, climate action, the energy transition and the defence of multilateralism. We want to work with Brazilian institutions to turn these interests into concrete results for citizens.

The relationship between the European Union and Brazil must be solid and enduring, based on dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation. As Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Brazil, I will continue to promote this dialogue and strengthen the ties between our societies.

How can the EU build a stronger partnership with Brazil without expecting the country to align itself with European foreign policy positions?

The European Union should not approach its relationship with Brazil as a test of alignment. Brazil has its own foreign policy, its own interests and its own diplomatic tradition, and a solid partnership begins with recognising that reality.

The European Union should not approach its relationship with Brazil as a test of alignment. — Hélder Sousa Silva (EPP/PRT), Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Brazil

This does not mean ignoring the differences. On Russia’s war against Ukraine, for example, we must maintain a frank dialogue and explain why the defence of states’ sovereignty and territorial integrity is essential to the international order. At the same time, it is possible to cooperate in specific areas—such as climate action, trade, food security, energy and the reform of multilateral institutions—even where there is no full political convergence.

Our best response is to build trust through results: investing in a balanced economic relationship, strengthening dialogue between parliaments and governments, and cooperating on global challenges. The stronger and more consistent the partnership, the greater our ability to understand each other’s positions and find common ground.

What specific initiatives should the European Parliament prioritise to strengthen cooperation with Brazil?

Firstly, we must strengthen the dialogue between our parliaments on democratic resilience, including the defence of institutions, electoral processes and fundamental rights. In the face of disinformation, we can promote the sharing of best practice and cooperation between experts, whilst respecting freedom of expression and the independence of the media.

We must move forward as early as next year with the EU–Brazil Summit, which should provide an opportunity to translate the strategic partnership between the two sides into concrete initiatives. It is through this high-level dialogue that we can define common priorities, establish commitments and monitor results, always whilst respecting the differences and respective competences of each party.

In the area of climate action, it is essential to support joint projects to protect the Amazon, combat deforestation and develop a sustainable economy, including the bioeconomy and clean energy. And, to address social inequalities, we must prioritise cooperation in areas such as poverty reduction, social inclusion and access to opportunities.

Parliament can contribute to this agenda through regular interparliamentary meetings, by monitoring the commitments made and by promoting cooperation and research projects. The aim is to translate the values and interests we share into concrete and lasting actions.

What is the EU prepared to offer Brazil under the EU–Mercosur agreement, beyond greater access to European consumers?

If the EU–Mercosur agreement is to be a genuine strategic partnership, it cannot be viewed merely as a tool for opening up markets. Trade access is important, but it must go hand in hand with political cooperation, investment and tangible benefits for societies on both sides of the Atlantic.

Europe must be prepared to collaborate with Brazil on the energy transition and the protection of biodiversity, supporting sustainable projects, innovation and the creation of quality jobs. It must also deepen scientific and technological cooperation, strengthen value chains and promote investments that contribute to local development and not merely to an increase in trade.

A strategic partnership is built on mutual respect, balanced commitments and shared outcomes. — Hélder Sousa Silva

There is also an essential political dimension: regular dialogue on democracy, fundamental rights and global challenges, without requiring Brazil to relinquish its autonomy or automatically adopt European positions. A strategic partnership is built on mutual respect, balanced commitments and shared outcomes.

This is the ambition that should guide the agreement: not merely to sell and buy more. It should create the conditions for Brazil and the European Union to tackle common challenges together and generate prosperity for their citizens.