Welcome Message from the new Chair
Evelyn Regner taking office as newly elected Chair of the Delegation for relations with Mercosur on 3 October 2024.
In my role as the elected Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation for relations with Mercosur (DMER), I have the privilege of leading its meetings and steering those held, in cities alternating between Europe and Latin America, with our counterparts from the legislative bodies of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Relations between the EU and Mercosur in recent years have had two priority axes: the negotiation of the EU-Mercosur Association Agreement and the political, economic, social and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. DMER has played a leading role in the debates on these topics.
Hence, one of DMER's main objectives continues to be the contribution to the dialogue regarding the EU-Mercosur Association Agreement taking into account our shared values as well as global challenges. Additionally, our bilateral relationships also cover many other areas of cooperation such as culture, education, research and innovation as well as entrepreneurship and social questions, so as to not only bring our economic blocs closer together, but our societies and people too.
As regards Venezuela, DMER will insist in defending the democratic principles and fundamental rights, the end to attacks on civil society, workers and the opposition, and the holding of free, transparent and fair elections.
Finally, DMER will also strengthen inter-parliamentary relations between the European Parliament and Mercosur assembly, Parlasur, as well as the legislatures of individual Mercosur countries.
Evelyn Regner