Protectionism – Does it show its face?

About this webinar

The landmark agreement between the EU and Mercosur is of profound geopolitical significance since it allows both regions to better enable security in vital areas of general trade and importantly food systems, in the face of growing international confrontations such as that of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, or trade tensions between the US and China. It is in the interests of both Latin America and the EU to prevail and harmonise policies to support both the EU geopolitical and geo-economic vision, as well as Latin American opportunity for sustainably viable growth and improved well-being.  

Speakers include:

• Oscar Guinea, Senior Economist at the European Centre for International Political Economy (ECIPE)
• Nelson Illescas, lawyer, consultant and Director at the Institute for International Agricultural Negotiations Foundation.
• Eugenio Mari, Chief Economist of Fundación Libertad y Progreso and Lecturer in International Economics UCEMA.

Moderator: Dr Maria Garcia, SL International Political Economy, Head of Department Politics, Languages and International Studies, University of Bath.

‘EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement’ Series

Negotiations on the free trade agreement between the EU and the Mercosur nations of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay has taken more than 20 years. For many this free trade agreement is seen to undermine the EU’s climate ambitions as well as be a threat to sustainably on the South American continent. The series of webinars will deliver accurate and validated specialist knowledge on this Agreement, the criticism it has provoked and its impact on the climate and environment. In addition to the webinars, a series of papers will be published written by the experts. 

The Four webinars will discuss: 

1. Protectionism – does it show its face? 

2. How can cooperation strengthen food security? 

3. Free trade as a tool to save the environment 

4. Where is the EU / Mercosur FTA going and why does it matter?