EU-Brazil summit looks at economic issues and global challenges

The 7th EU-Brazil summit focused on economic issues, foreign policy, global challenges and ongoing negotiations for an EU-Mercosur association agreement.

Discussions between the EU – represented by the President of the European Council, Herman van Rompuy, and the Commission President, José Manuel Barroso – and the Brazilian President, Dilma Rousseff, centred around several key issues.

Firstly, leaders discussed the economic outlook for the EU and Brazil, notably focussing on economic issues and the global economic recovery process. In particular, leaders looked at how to accelerate economic growth and job creation. They also welcomed important progress in negotiations on the EU-Mercosur Association Agreement.

Secondly, leaders looked at how to tackle global challenges such as climate change and cyber security. On this topic, leaders agreed to launch a new EU-Brazil dialogue on international cyber policy, with the first meeting hopefully taking place in April.

Finally, leaders looked at way to cooperate more effectively on foreign and security policy issues. In particular, they exchanged views on Ukraine, the Middle East and Africa.

The EU Commissioner for Trade, Karel de Gucht, and the Brazilian Foreign Minister, Luiz Alberto Figueiredo, also took part in the summit, which was held in Brussels.

A strategic partnership

The EU-Brazil Strategic Partnership was established in July 2007. This partnership is underpinned by a joint action plan, which identifies 5 priority areas for cooperation: peace and security, sustainable development; regional cooperation; science, technology and innovation; people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges.

The strategic partnership now extends to cooperation in 30 different areas.