2023-09-15 15:27:48
Lacalle Pou and Emmanuel Macron met in France and watched a rugby match together.
The Uruguayan president, Luis Lacalle Pouhad a crucial meeting this Thursday with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macronin Paris, just before the start of the participation of The Teros in the Rugby World Cup. During this high-level meeting, both leaders discussed highly relevant issues related to international politics and the close relationship between MERCOSUR and the European Union (EU).
Although the specific content of their conversation remained in the private sphere, President Lacalle Pou noted that fundamental issues were addressed, particularly with regard to the trade agreement between Mercosur and the European Union. He expressed concern at what he perceives as contradictory signals regarding the signing of this important pact.
On the one hand, the Uruguayan president referred to certain circumstances that could indicate a possible delay in the ratification of the agreement, such as the demands raised by Brazil and Argentina. Additionally, he mentioned other statements that suggest a more positive approach, such as the demonstrations of the former Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silvawho expressed his desire to move forward quickly in signing the agreement.
The EU has doubts regarding the environment
It is important to remember that in March of this year, the European Union presented Mercosur with a “side letter” related to environmental issues, an essential requirement for the ratification of the agreement. Furthermore, in July, Brazil, in its capacity as pro tempore president of Mercosur, presented a counterproposal to Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay, in which the reopening of the government procurement chapter (which had been closed in 2019) was proposed with the objective to protect local industry.
This initiative was also supported by the government of Alberto Fernández in Argentina. To date, the bloc has not been able to reach a consensus to respond to this proposal.
The ecological issue was also addressed by the two leaders in Paris.
Uruguay has stood out internationally for its focus on sustainability and its commitment to measuring economic aspects from this perspective and the Macron government, despite its slightly more liberal economic approach, has not left this aspect aside.
“Historically, the environment and the economy were separate and that did not generate a very strong impulse. Today the world is realizing that environmental care has an economic value, and Uruguay is in unbeatable conditions, among other things, because it was the first to have an environmental bonus like the one the Ministry of Economy did a few months ago. There I think there is a mutual interest to work on,” said Lacalle.
He concluded by saying that both the “most basic Uruguayan activities” and the “more technical Eastern innovation” make for a “better, more cared for world that respects many things”, something that France with Macron “has had a boost” and “matches with what Uruguay is doing.”
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