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Mercosur and Canada resume free trade agreement negotiations after years of impasse

  What is happening between Mercosur and Canada? After more than a decade of stalled talks, the Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) and Canada announced in September 2025 the formal resumption of negotiations for a free trade agreement. The decision was confirmed at a meeting between representatives of the two blocs during the United Nations General Assembly in New York and represents a strategic step toward strengthening economic ties between South and North America. This move is not just symbolic: it could pave the way for one of the largest trade agreements in the South American region in recent years, with direct impacts on the economies of millions of people—from farmers to small business owners. Why does this agreement matter? A free trade agreement between Mercosur and Canada has the potential to eliminate or reduce tariffs on thousands of products, facilitate investment, increase business competitiveness, and generate new job opportunities. For ord...
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G7 Leaders Meet in Canada to Discuss Energy Security and Global Cooperation; Lula Participates in Trade and Climate Debates

 


  The city of Calgary, in the Canadian province of Alberta, hosted the opening of the 2025 G7 Summit this Monday (16), marked by intense discussions on energy security, geopolitical tensions, and international economic cooperation. The meeting, which continues through Tuesday (17), is hosted by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and brings together leaders from seven of the world’s largest economies.


Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was one of the special guests at the event and arrived in Canada on Monday morning, where he was officially received by local authorities. His participation reflects Brazil's growing role in multilateral forums, particularly on environmental issues, agribusiness, and renewable energy.


Energy Security at the Center of Discussions


One of the main agenda items was global energy security, a sensitive issue following years of market instability caused by international conflicts and climate change. Leaders discussed strategies to diversify energy sources, accelerate the energy transition, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels from geopolitically unstable regions.


“We are entering a new energy era,” said Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during the opening speech. “We must balance climate urgency with the realities of our economies.”


The United States advocated for greater technological cooperation among G7 countries, while Germany emphasized the need for joint investments in green hydrogen and clean energy storage.


Middle East and Ukraine Tensions Dominate Informal Talks


Although not formally on the main agenda, tensions in the Middle East, particularly the escalation between Iran and Israel, were widely discussed in bilateral conversations. Leaders expressed concern over the regional and global impacts of renewed confrontations, stressing the importance of diplomatic initiatives to prevent a broader war.


The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, now in its fourth consecutive year, was also part of the discussions. The European Union reiterated its call for unity against Russian aggression, while the United States considered increasing military and humanitarian support.


Trade and Relations with the Global South


Amid growing trade divisions and protectionism, the G7 explored ways to strengthen global supply chains and reduce tariff barriers. President Lula used the opportunity to advocate for deeper trade integration with emerging economies and praised Canada’s initiative to include voices from the Global South in the summit.


“We need a more just and inclusive multilateral system. Countries like Brazil have much to contribute to this new global architecture,” Lula said during a press conference after the first day of meetings.


Next Steps


On Tuesday, the summit will continue with discussions on climate change, global health, and cybersecurity. At the end of the meeting, a joint communiqué will be issued outlining reinforced commitments and guidelines by the member countries.


With an ambitious agenda and complex challenges, the 2025 G7 Summit aims to reaffirm its relevance in an increasingly multipolar world, where traditional alliances are being reshaped and new partnerships are emerging.

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