The President of the European Council, António Costa, will travel to Brazil from 27 to 29 May 2025, with official engagements in Brasília and São Paulo. This mission marks a renewed political momentum in EU-Brazil relations and reflects the importance of Brazil as a key strategic partner.
During the visit, President Costa will meet President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and will deliver a keynote address at the inaugural EU-Brazil Investment Forum. The visit comes at a pivotal moment for EU-Brazil relations, as both partners seek to advance joint priorities on climate action, digital transformation, sustainable development and global governance, and reinforce high-level political and economic ties.
Brazil is not just a close friend, it is a strategic partner for the EU – a global player and a key ally in promoting democracy, multilateralism and shaping a more just and sustainable world.
In times when these values are challenged globally, it is even more crucial that countries like Brazil and the European Union stand together to uphold them.
This visit is an opportunity to deepen our cooperation and further work towards an ambitious global agenda that benefits both our citizens and our planet. Together, we are investing in trust, sustainability and an international order rooted in cooperation, not confrontation.
António Costa, President of the European Council
During his meeting with President Lula in Brasília on 27 May, President Costa will focus on reinforcing political, economic and sectoral cooperation, particularly in view of Brazil’s upcoming presidency of COP30. The two presidents will exchange views on their bilateral and global priorities, including climate change, trade, the green and digital transitions and critical raw materials. They will also discuss the global geopolitical context and how to maximize the benefits of the EU-Mercosur Agreement, the negotiations of which were concluded last December.
The following day, on 29 May, the President will head to São Paulo to deliver remarks at the inaugural EU-Brazil investment forum and formally launch the EU-Brazil Investment Dialogue. This new framework will support high-standard and sustainable investments and further strengthen economic ties.
At a time when bilateral relations face growing strains and multilateralism is under pressure, the visit will highlight the EU’s commitment to an ambitious and forward-looking strategic partnership with Brazil, underpinned by strong political ties, robust economic cooperation and a shared commitment to tackling global challenges together.
Background
Brazil has been a strategic partner of the EU since 2007. The EU is Brazil’s second-largest trading partner and its largest foreign investor, with over €300 billion in direct investment stocks. Since President Lula took office in 2023, EU-Brazil ties have gained new dynamism, with revived and new political and sectoral dialogues on climate, energy, digital transformation, security, and public health. The conclusion of negotiations of the EU-Mercosur Agreement in December 2024 has added further impetus to the relationship.
The EU and Brazil also cooperate closely in the UN and the G20, within the framework of the EU-CELAC summit and through new initiatives such as the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty and the G20 coalition for regional vaccine production.
European Council President António Costa will travel to Brazil from 27 to 29 May 2025 to meet with Brazilian President Lula da Silva and participate in the EU-Brazil Investment Forum. The visit highlights the EU’s commitment to a forward-looking strategic partnership with Brazil to advance joint priorities, including climate action and multilateral cooperation.
