Historie

The European Parliament's Delegation for relations with the Federative Republic of Brazil held its inaugural meeting on 13 October 2014.

The delegation had been created by a European Parliamentary decision of 12 March 2014, followed by a resolution of 16 July 2014, which specified that it would include 14 full members.

Importance of Brazil

In deciding to establish a dedicated delegation, the European parliament acknowledged the importance of the country and the bilateral relationship. This had been noted as early as 2009, when the Parliament passed a resolution on the European Union-Brazil Strategic Partnership.

In that resolution, Parliament noted that "Brazil has become an increasingly significant regional and global player and has emerged as a key interlocutor for the EU" and "Brazil and the European Union are partners who share the same world vision, and can promote changes and solutions worldwide".

Bureau

On 26 September 2019, the Delegation's bureau was unanimously elected and consists of the chair, MEP José Manuel Fernandes (EPP, PT) and two vice-chairs: MEPs Manuel Pizarro (S&D, PT) and Anna Cavazzini (Greens/EFA, DE).

Activity

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the activities of the Delegation were reduced compared to normal times. The Delegation held its first ordinary meeting on 23 January 2020 discussing Brazil's political and economic situation under the new President Jair Bolsonaro. On 11 December 2020, a joint meeting with the Delegation for relations with the countries of Mercosur (DMER) was held with the debate focussing on the state of play of the EU-Mercosur Association Agreement.

The last ordinary D-BR meeting took place on 15 April 2021. At this meeting, Members discussed the Covid-19 situation in Brazil, the scientific and technological cooperation between the EU and Brazil and the situation of human rights defenders in Brazil including the case of the assassination of Fernando dos Santos Araújo.

The Delegation's activity will continue to focus on strengthening inter-parliamentary relations. A delegation visit to Brazil (Brasilia and São Paulo) is planned for May 2022.