Sérgio Sousa Pinto (PSE). – (PT) The experiment at regional integration in Mercosur has essentially been a success both at the economic and the political level. Mercosur’s contribution to democratic consolidation in the region and growth in the volume of trade within that bloc are unquestionable facts.

It is true that at the moment the negotiations between the EU and Mercosur are at an impasse because of the wait for commitments and agreements to emerge from the Doha Round that may serve as a new starting point for our bilateral trade negotiations. Although I do not wish to appear too pessimistic, we run the risk that the Doha Round will merely result in our losing precious time. The EU should contribute to the success of South American regional integration by putting all its efforts into the success of the negotiations between the two blocs.

Our relationship must be much more extensive than a mere free trade agreement. Under discussion here is a global agreement that goes much further than figures and quantities of goods to be traded. The association agreement includes cooperation and political dialogue, which are fundamental pillars for our future relationship.

No one doubts nowadays that the European Union needs Ibero-America and its great instrument, Mercosur, in order to achieve its objective of building a more balanced and multilateral international order.

The joint statement by the President of the European Commission and the President-in-Office of Mercosur, the President of Uruguay, Tabaré Vásquez, following the meeting on 19 September promising a joint public statement by the two blocs by the end of the year on the environment and climate change is an important example of that political collaboration. Mercosur offers great promise as far as economic integration and making South America politically stronger on the international stage are concerned, but that does not mean we can overlook or pretend not to see what is before us – the incontrovertible political presence of Brazil, by sheer force of the facts, as the leading power in South America. Brazil is the soul and driving force of Mercosur. With its 190 million inhabitants and an economy representing approximately 75% of Mercosur’s GDP, Brazil is the only BRIC country with which the Union had not held a summit until now.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is absurd to think that the European Union can teach Brazil anything about the importance of Mercosur or appoint itself Mercosur’s champion before Brazil. That is absolutely ridiculous. Similarly, Brazil is the only Mercosur member country aspiring for a place on the UN Security Council, which it merits and which will give the whole of Latin America a voice within that important body.