MERCOSUR Closes 2025 with Trade Milestones and a Strong Demand to the European Union

FOZ DO IGUAÇU, Brazil – Within the framework of the LXVII MERCOSUR Summit of Presidents, held on December 20, regional leaders consolidated an agenda focused on economic openness, regulatory modernization, and physical integration, setting the roadmap for the start of 2026.

The meeting brought together Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Brazil), Javier Milei (Argentina), Santiago Peña (Paraguay), Yamandú Orsi (Uruguay), and Bolivian Foreign Minister Fernando Hugo Aramayo Carrasco. The summit was characterized by a constructive dialogue that prioritized the bloc’s competitive insertion into the global economy.

The major milestone of the day was the signing of the Free Trade Agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), a historic step that opens new investment opportunities. Likewise, the bloc reaffirmed its market diversification strategy by reporting significant progress in negotiations with:

• United Arab Emirates: A priority for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement.

• Canada and India: Resumption and deepening of trade processes.

• Southeast Asia: Reactivation of dialogues with Vietnam and Indonesia.

• Japan: Progress toward a strategic partnership.

However, the summit was marked by disappointment over the failure to sign the MERCOSUR-European Union agreement. The presidents emphasized that the text is the result of 26 years of negotiation and lamented the lack of political consensus within European community bodies, urging the EU to finalize its internal procedures to formalize the link.

Looking toward 2026, MERCOSUR is betting on digital and logistical tools to facilitate trade:

• Digital Certificate of Origin (DCO): Now fully operational among the four founding partners.

• MSMEs: The 2025-2030 roadmap was approved to promote their participation in the common market.

• Infrastructure: Commitment was ratified for the Paraguay-Paraná Waterway and the development of bioceanic corridors.

Under the "Green MERCOSUR" initiative, the bloc seeks to increase the visibility of its sustainability policies. In this context, the Agricultural Business Forum expressed its rejection of EU deforestation legislation (EUDR), labeling it a barrier to trade.

In health matters, the creation of the Border Health Plan and the strengthening of regional medicine production were highlighted, while the digital agenda was tasked with deepening discussions on the data market and artificial intelligence.

With Bolivia’s ongoing accession process and the presence of Panama as an Associate State, MERCOSUR begins the new year with the challenge of harmonizing the Common External Tariff and modernizing its Integrated Control Areas to streamline the movement of people and goods.