Hopes for January EU-Mercosur Deal Rise After Lula-Meloni Call

Odds that the trade deal between the European Union and Mercosur will be signed in January appeared to improve slightly after a call between Brazil’s Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Lula, who had previously warned that the window to complete the agreement would close in December, said Meloni told him during their call on Thursday that she would try to persuade Italians to accept the deal if Mercosur is willing to wait a bit longer. He added he will now consult the other Mercosur members about the delay.