Macron and lula Discuss‍ EU Trade, Ocean ⁤Protection in Paris Visit

⁤ Updated ‍June ⁣6, 2025
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French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Brazilian President⁣ Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Paris on Thursday, initiating a two-day state ⁤visit focused on strengthening⁤ ties and addressing key global issues, including trade and ocean protection. Despite visible camaraderie, disagreements persist between​ the two leaders.

The⁢ visit includes a state dinner at the Élysée Palace. Earlier, during a joint press conference following a welcome at Les Invalides, Lula da Silva passionately advocated for the European⁣ Union and Mercosur to finalize a free⁤ trade agreement. He directly appealed ⁣to Macron to consider the agreement, despite Macron’s reservations about the terms negotiated by the European‌ Commission.

Lula argued that an EU-Mercosur agreement would provide a crucial response to global uncertainties fueled by rising unilateralism and protectionism, referencing potential ​trade conflicts instigated by U.S. President ​Donald Trump. He encouraged the⁤ EU to ratify the agreement during brazil’s Mercosur ‌presidency in the latter half of 2025, ⁤emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and trade relations.

What’s next

macron and Lula will continue their discussions at a United nations conference on ocean protection scheduled for June 9-13 in Nice, France, further solidifying their commitment to addressing pressing global challenges.