Lula urges common sense in EU-Mercosur trade negotiations.

Brazilian President Lula da Silva has called for "common sense" negotiations between the EU and Mercosur to finalize the long-awaited trade agreement between the blocs. Lula discussed the differences in stance with French President Emmanuel Macron, acknowledging France's need to defend its agriculture. Lula, however, has held a firm stance on removing the unwanted procurement clause of the deal allowing European companies to sell to Brazil's public sector. The agreement was struck in 2019 but was put on hold largely due to European concerns over Amazon deforestation.