By Domenico Letizia, Geopolitical Analyst and Contributor to La Ragione
In an increasingly interconnected global economy, the European Union’s relationship with Latin America has acquired renewed strategic importance. One of the key frameworks for this engagement is the EU–Mercosur agreement, which aims to strengthen trade and cooperation between the EU and the Mercosur countries—Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. The Mercosur bloc represents a market of more than 260 million people, with growing demand for high-quality goods, sustainable technologies, and industrial expertise—areas in which Italian companies traditionally excel.
From agri-food products to automotive components, and from green energy to advanced manufacturing, Italian enterprises can find fertile ground for exports, investments, and joint ventures across Mercosur countries. In particular, sectors such as machinery, fashion, design, and pharmaceuticals stand to benefit significantly from reduced tariffs and greater regulatory harmonization.
Italy already enjoys strong historical and cultural ties with South America, rooted in a large diaspora and decades of economic cooperation. Leveraging these connections through a modern trade framework such as the EU–Mercosur agreement could help Italian small and medium-sized enterprises expand their international footprint. This is especially relevant at a time when diversifying export markets beyond traditional partners is essential to ensuring economic resilience. For Italy, the agreement represents not only a commercial opportunity, but also a diplomatic and strategic tool to reinforce its global presence and promote the excellence of its production system.
Moreover, Italy’s engagement within the Mercosur framework strengthens its role inside the European Union as a promoter of open markets, sustainability, and balanced international trade. It positions Rome as a bridge between European institutions and Latin America, fostering not only commerce, but also dialogue on environmental standards, social rights, and digital innovation. While some opposition within Europe persists, often based on environmental or protectionist concerns, a well-implemented EU–Mercosur agreement can incorporate robust sustainability safeguards while still enabling economic growth and geopolitical alignment.
Italy should not remain on the sidelines. Instead, it must act as a proactive advocate for the ratification and effective implementation of the agreement. Supporting the EU–Mercosur deal is clearly in Italy’s national interest: it delivers tangible benefits for businesses, strengthens diplomatic ties with a strategically important region, and aligns with Italy’s broader vision of a multilateral, open, and sustainable global economy.
