Editorial: El Mundo

• The trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur transcends the economic dimension and has deep political meaning.
• The Head of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has bet on this pact despite the rejection of some capitals, and the concern of farmers and ranchers.
• The agreement opens a market of 700 million people and saves 4,000 million in tariffs, but it must negotiate with the agrarian sector to guarantee protection.
• The alliance with Mercosur is a counterweight to the influence of China in Latin America and ensures EU access to strategic raw materials.
• France is the main obstacle to the approval of the pact.
• The alliance will allow Europe to reduce dependence on unreliable partners.

Conclusion: Strengthening ties with the American bloc is a bet on multilateralism and the rules-based world order in face of the growing threat of illiberal regimes.

---