The Brazilian economy is once again performing significantly better than expected. Nevertheless, financial investors remain cautious in the face of rising government spending.

A spirit of optimism at the economic forum of the bilateral Intergovernmental Consultations.

President Lula in particular is strongly committed to achieving a result. Will the EU go along?

One against all: Argentina is fighting over water rights on the Río Paraná. After the upcoming elections there, it could become even more difficult to find a common position.

Brazil’s Amazon clearing is falling again for the first time. At the same time, President Lula wants to unite South America’s governments to save the rainforest.

EU-CELAC summit brought investment of US$45 billion for the region’s infrastructure and confidence for the EU-Mercosur agreement.

For environmentalists, the agreement’s protection of the Amazon does not go far enough. At the same time, President Lula is losing his appeal as an integration figure.

The chancellor’s trip paves the way for closer cooperation with the long-neglected region.

For Brazil, Argentina and Chile, but also for the German economy, the trip sends an important signal.

The EU-Mercosur agreement will also benefit consumers and small and medium-sized enterprises in particular.