7th EU-Brazil Summit: A strategic partnership

Since the establishment of their Strategic Partnership in July 2007 the EU and Brazil have enjoyed a growingly stronger relationship, with intensified co-operation via high-level political exchanges on issues of common interest concerning our economies, global challenges and on foreign policy positions in the world. In this context, the 7th EU-Brazil Summit will be held in Brussels on 24 February 2014.

This summit will provide the occasion to take stock of the progress in the cooperation on sectorial policies such as competitiveness and investment, research, technology and innovation, transport and infrastructure. Leaders will also discuss global challenges such as international cyber policy and internet governance, climate change and energy policies, and sustainable development. The summit will also provide an occasion to exchange views on regional issues in Latin America as well as on international security and peace questions such as the situation in Iran, Syria, the Middle East Peace Process and African security.

President Herman Van Rompuy said: "Our relationship has been growing and deepening over the years and I look forward to discussing with President Rousseff on how our cooperation can be further strengthened. Cyberspace, which has become one of the most powerful instruments for global progress, is an area where we need to intensify co-operation to ensure that we can securely enjoy the benefits of new technologies while protecting a free and open internet."

Commission President José Manuel Barroso said: "Our strategic partnership with Brazil has come a long way since the 2007 Lisbon summit. Since then we have been expanding our dialogue on political, economic and sectorial issues, such as education and research. Brazil is a like-minded partner with which we share many common interests. We want to build on these commonalities and cooperate more on how to handle climate change, define ways for sustainable development, respect human rights, and promote global trade and international security.

"The summit will also be an important occasion to confirm our joint commitment to an ambitious and balanced EU-Mercosur Agreement. Our bilateral economic relationship can be an important driver for growth and jobs on the two sides. I look forward to confirm our agreement on the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Investment, whose idea I launched on the occasion of our previous summit."

The EU will be represented by European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso. Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht, is also expected to participate. Brazil will be represented by its President Dilma Rousseff; she will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Figueiredo, and other ministers.

For more information, see MEMO/14/122.

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