Brazil's Vice President Alckmin Highlights Mercosur-EU Trade Deal as a Global Economic Relief
Brazil's Vice President Geraldo Alckmin has emphasized the significance of the trade agreement between the South American bloc Mercosur and the European Union, which was finalized after 25 years of negotiations. The deal, set to provisionally come into force on May 1, represents a major economic collaboration between the two regions, covering a market of $22 trillion and 720 million people. Alckmin, a key negotiator of the agreement, described it as a crucial development in a world increasingly dominated by protectionist policies. The deal faced delays due to opposition from farmers and environmentalists and was further complicated by EU lawmakers referring it to the bloc's judiciary. However, the EU executive decided to provisionally enact the deal, bypassing the European Parliament. Alckmin anticipates a 13% annual increase in Brazilian exports to the EU as a result of the agreement. 
