Meeting of the European Union-Mercosur chief negotiators

On the 7^th and 8^th of March, the Chief Negotiators of the EU-Mercosur Agreement met in Buenos Aires.

The EU delegation was chaired by its Chief Negotiators of the European Union External Action Service and of the Directorate-General for International Trade. The Mercosur delegation consisted of the four National Coordinators of the bloc and was chaired by the Argentine Republic.

Discussions focused on the three dimensions of sustainable development (economic, social and environmental) as a framework for deepening the bi-regional partnership.

Facing the new global political and economic scene, and mindful of the strategic importance of the bi-regional relationship, both delegations agreed on the importance of intensifying the dialogue in order to finalise a mutually beneficial and balanced agreement. To this end, they agreed on a work schedule for the first half of 2023.