Views from Brazil

The European Union has traditionally been perceived as a force for progress and enlightenment by […]

17/01/2017

The European Union has traditionally been perceived as a force for progress and enlightenment by Brazilians working in international affairs. Its dedication to peace and democracy has been an example we have tried to follow in our own efforts to build a more integrated and prosperous South America.

From Brazil’s perspective, a united Europe is essential for a more balanced world order, free from the hegemony of any one single power. In economic terms, the awareness of this balancing role was clearly expressed in 1994 with the proposal of a Mercosur-EU trade agreement, first launched when Jacques Delors was at the helm of the European Commission and Itamar Franco was the Brazilian president.

At that moment, after the conclusion of the Uruguay Round of the GATT, there was a severe risk that world trade would be segregated into different zones or blocs. In the case of the American continent, the expansion of NAFTA or the establishment of a Free Trade Area of the Americas, under US hegemony, made it imperative for us to seek arrangements with other powers. Negotiations between the EU and Mercosur were never easy and the more ambitious view of a better organized world fell victim to specific economic interests on both sides.

The establishment of a strategic partnership 
Ten years later, in the aftermath of the disastrous invasion of Iraq and with a progressive government installed in Brasilia under President Lula, the efforts for closer relations with European countries again became a priority. Political affinities between the Workers’ Party and several socialist or social democratic parties in Europe played a role in this rapprochement, which culminated in the formal establishment of a “strategic partnership” between Brazil and the European Union in 2007.

Brazilian diplomatic action, not only in South America but also in Africa, India and the Arab World, increasingly attracted the attention of European and inspired eminent Brussels officials, such as Javier Solana and Durão Barroso, to look for closer political and economic cooperation with Brasilia. Bilateral programs in areas like energy and science and technology were established or further developed. In parallel, global issues, ranging from the Middle East and the Iranian Nuclear Program to broader economic questions became regular subjects of the “strategic talks” between leaders and their ministers.

Strengthening multilateralism  
Brazil and the EU have a vested interest in reinforcing multilateralism and in strengthening multipolarity – two phenomena that are interrelated but are by no means the same. Both of us are deeply committed to a world in which power is distributed in such a way that discourages recourse to unilateral action – be it in economic disputes or use of armed force. As the fifth largest country in terms of area and population and among the seven or eight major economies, Brazil wishes to see a Europe that can speak with one voice in defence of peace and prosperity for all.

Find all related publications
Publications
29/11/2023

Social Europe: From vision to vigour

FEPS Primer series - Björn Hacker
22/11/2023

The macro-economic impact of the cost crisis

Lessons for Europe
16/11/2023

The political economy of migration policies

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the question of migration across the EU has been somehow downplayed. […]
13/11/2023

EU Treaties – Why they need targeted changes

An approach based on European public goods, citizenship and democracy
Find all related news
News
29/11/2023

Economic Democracy

FEPS has launched an initiative on Economic Democracy
22/11/2023

Ann Linde is FEPS’ new Foreign Affairs Special Advisor

Ann Linde, former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, becomes Special Advisor on Foreign Affairs […]
09/10/2023

Tax the rich

A European Citizens' Initiative
04/10/2023

The EU at the time of the New Cold War

A manifesto signed by FEPS President and FEPS Secretary General
Find all related in the media
In the media

Total honesty and far-right lies

by IPS Journal 04/12/2023
Dive into the insightful analysis published in IPS Journal by Tom Theuns, Assist. Prof at Leiden University, and László Andor, FEPS Secretary General, examining the Dutch election results and the conclusions that need to be drawn for a successful EU Integration

Ukrainas och Europas framtid diskuterades i Helsingfors

by Demokraatti 01/12/2023
'Future of Ukraine and Europe discussed in Helsinki' Demokraatti article about FEPS and Kalevi Sorsa Foundation event 'From Russia’s aggression to progressive recovery of Ukraine' held in Helsinki.

Um conclave pelo futuro da Europa

by Diario de Noticias 27/11/2023
Maria João Rodrigues participated in the 'Conclave' on the future of Europe. A transdisciplinary forum that discussed the essential questions to be asked and the answers to be given to European leaders.

Une réforme de l’UE qui intéressera forcément les Suisses

by Le Temps 24/11/2023
'EU reform bound to be of interest to the Swiss', an opinion piece in Le Temps on EU Treaties changes by Maria João Rodrigues, FEPS President, Guillaume Klossa, Director of think tank EuropaNova and Daniela Schwarzer, Executive board member Bertelsmann Stiftung