The European Parliament has published a study requested by the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) and coordinated by the Trans European Policy Studies Association (TEPSA).

“Geopolitical aspects of the EU-Mercosur agreement” is authored by Andrés MALAMUD, Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Social Sciences, University of Lisbon, Portugal; and Luis SCHENONI, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, University College London, United Kingdom. Coordination was managed by TEPSA Programme Manager Eva Ribera and TEPSA Project Assistant Ana Leladze.

Abstract

This paper analyses the geopolitical implications of the Agreement between the European Union and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur), focusing on its potential for enhanced interregional cooperation. It explores how this agreement aligns with each region’s strategic interests, expanding on opportunities that arise while remaining realistic about the likelihood of implementation. This assessment takes place in a fluid geopolitical context, characterised by the United States of America’s major revision of the post-1945 world order, an increasing assertiveness displayed by China and Russia and a relative decline of Europe and Latin America both in terms of economic output and contributions to global governance. The paper concludes by discussing various ratification scenarios and offering a set of policy recommendations.