Lula’s comeback: What is the outlook for Brazil-Europe relations?
marianna.liana…
Thu, 10/22/2026 – 16:57
5 minutes
Since Brazil’s return to democracy in 1989, no presidential candidate has ever won the runoff election after losing in the first round of voting. But on 25 October, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva did just that, defeating Flávio Bolsonaro by a margin of more than four million votes.
The result has significant implications for Europe. The EU’s leadership has a good relationship with Lula – with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council António Costa being among the first to congratulate him on his victory. Europe and Brazil have enhanced cooperation in recent years, including by signing the EU-Mercosur trade deal. Ensuring its implementation will be a key priority. Europe must also take this opportunity to deepen security cooperation, promote industrial ties and foster greater regional cooperation across Latin America.
Brazil’s standing
Lula’s fourth term may prove his most challenging yet, particularly when it comes to implementing his domestic agenda, which is focused on reducing inequality, boosting …read more