Spain and Brazil hold their first bilateral summit in Barcelona to lead the connection between the EU and Mercosur

 

The president of the Government of España, Pedro Sánchez, and the president of Brasil, Luiz Inácio Lula da SilvaThey celebrated this on April 17, 2026 First Spain-Brazil Summit en Barcelonaconsolidating a strategic alliance in critical mineralstechnology and the defense of global democracy.

 

This meeting constitutes the first forum of its kind that the Spanish Executive has held with a Latin American nation, marking a milestone in the Capabilities and economic diplomacy. During the day, the bilateral alignment to act as "engines that bring the Unión Europea and América Latina y el Caribe«, especially within the framework of the negotiations of Agreement UE Mercosur.

 

Boosting foreign trade and strategic sectors

 

From a strictly economic standpoint, the First Summit has served to confirm that trade and investment relations are "extraordinarily solid"The authorities of both countries have signed a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) that seek to ensure the resilience of supply chains and the promotion of entrepreneurship.

 

El Ministerio de Economía, Comercio y Empresa has led the signing of agreements relating to critical mineralsThis sector is vital for the energy transition and strategic autonomy. Furthermore, work plans have been established for the development of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, facilitating the flow of direct investment between the two markets.

 

Scope of Cooperation	Entity or Organization Involved	Legal Instrument
Economy and SMEs	Ministerio de Economía, Comercio y Empresa	MOU Critical Minerals and Entrepreneurship
Technology and ICT	Ministerio para la Transformación Digital	MOU Technological Cooperation
Science and innovation	Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades	Work Plan 2026-2028
Air Freight	Ministerio de Transportes y Movilidad Sostenible	Air Services Agreement
Social Security	Ministerio de Inclusión y Seguridad Social	Activity Plan 2026-2027

 

Multilateralism and the social agenda

 

President Pedro Sánchez has defended a "Renewed multilateralism" in the face of global fragmentation. In this sense, España has reaffirmed its role as a bridge to the next XXX Ibero-American Summit to be held in Madrid in November 2026. According to the Spanish president, "While others open wounds, what we want is precisely to close and heal them.".

 

The agreements have also reached the social and fundamental rights spheres:

 

• Equality and Justice: Signing of an Action Plan on the subject of racial equality and eradication of gender violence led by the Ministerio de Igualdad.
• Social Economy: Memorandum for the promotion of solidarity economy subscribed by Ministerio de Trabajo y Economía Social.
• Agricultural Sustainability: Adaptation of the Retinta cattle breed to the production conditions of Brasil, in charge of Ministerio de Agricultura.

 

In the field of science, the 2026-2028 work plan stands out, which will allow companies and research centers from both countries to collaborate on cutting-edge technological projects and industrial innovation.

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about the 1st Spain-Brazil Summit

 

What is the main objective of this bilateral summit?

Establishing a common agenda for strategic cooperation in key areas such as the economy, science and technology, as well as strengthening the role of both countries as connectors between the Unión Europea y Mercosur.

 

Which economic sectors benefit most from the agreements?

Especially the sectors of critical minerals, telecommunications, air transport, agriculture and the micro and small business ecosystem, thanks to the signing of various memoranda of understanding.

 

What role does racial and social equality play in this encounter?

Both governments have placed the defense of human rights and equality at the center of their agenda, signing specific action plans to promote racial equality and strengthen the social and solidarity economy.