Rome, 15 October 2026 — FGV Europe and the LUISS Institute for European Analysis and Policy (LEAP) will convene a high-level workshop in Rome to discuss new perspectives for strategic and economic cooperation between Brazil and Italy in the context of the EU–MERCOSUR Free Trade Agreement.
The workshop, taking place on 15 October at the LUISS Institute for European Analysis and Policy in Rome, will bring together policymakers, diplomats, academics, business representatives and international experts to assess the strategic implications of the agreement and its potential to strengthen economic ties between Europe and Latin America.
A strategic moment for EU–MERCOSUR relations
The conclusion and ratification process of the EU–MERCOSUR Free Trade Agreement represents a significant development for international trade and interregional cooperation. In a context marked by geopolitical fragmentation, the diversification of global supply chains, sustainability challenges and renewed industrial policies, the agreement has gained strategic relevance for both Europe and Latin America.
Against this backdrop, the workshop will explore how the EU–MERCOSUR framework can contribute to stronger trade and investment relations, regulatory cooperation, industrial competitiveness and more resilient and integrated supply chains.
Particular attention will be given to the agreement’s implications for EU–Brazil relations and Brazil–Italy cooperation, as well as to the opportunities it may create for businesses and investors on both sides of the Atlantic.
From trade and investment to integrated supply chains
The programme will feature two thematic sessions.
The first, “Opportunities and Challenges of the FTA: Trade and Investments,” will examine trade flows, market access and investment prospects under the agreement, alongside the opportunities and challenges facing European, Italian and Brazilian companies.
The second, “Industrial Policy Implications of the FTA: Building EU–MERCOSUR Integrated Supply Chains,” will address sustainability and environmental standards, regulatory convergence, industrial cooperation and the role of MERCOSUR in supporting European strategic autonomy.
The discussion will also explore the strategic importance of critical raw materials and the role of development finance in fostering deeper industrial and supply-chain integration between Europe and MERCOSUR.
High-level speakers
The workshop will feature a distinguished group of policymakers, diplomats and experts, including:
- Valentina Meliciani — LEAP Director
- Cesar Cunha Campos — Director, FGV Europe
- Renato Mosca de Souza — Ambassador of Brazil in Italy
- Paolo Garzotti — Head of Unit, Trade Relations with Latin America, European Union
- Pedro Miguel da Costa Silva — Ambassador of Brazil to the European Union
- Alberto Petrangeli — Ministro Consigliere e Vice Capo Missione, Ambasciata d’Italia a Brasilia
- Lisandra Flach — Director, IFO Center for International Economics; Professor of Economics, LMU Munich
- Jorge Arbache — Professor of Economics, University of Brasilia; Senior Fellow, Institute for Climate and Society
- Paolo Guerrieri — Senior Fellow, LEAP Luiss; Visiting Professor, Paris School of International Affairs
- Alessandro Fontana — Director, Centro Studi Confindustria
- Alberto Castronovo — Head of Internationalisation Unit, Cabinet of the Minister, Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy
- Anabel Marin — Institute of Development Studies
- Alberto Carriero — Responsabile Strategie industria, energia, innovazione e iniziative internazionali, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti
- Natascha Nunes da Cunha — Lead Mining and Critical Raw Materials Specialist, Development Finance and International Cooperation Institutions
- Maria Savona — Professor of Economics, Luiss; Scientific Council, LEAP
- Michele Valensise — President, Istituto Affari Internazionali; Former Italian Ambassador
The event will open with remarks by Valentina Meliciani, LEAP Director; Cesar Cunha Campos, Director of FGV Europe; and Renato Mosca de Souza, Ambassador of Brazil in Italy.
The closing remarks will be delivered by Michele Valensise, President of the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) and former Italian Ambassador.
Through this initiative, FGV Europe and LUISS seek to foster an informed dialogue between European and Latin American stakeholders and contribute to the broader debate on the future of open and rules-based trade, while identifying concrete opportunities for deeper economic and strategic cooperation between Brazil, Italy, the European Union and MERCOSUR.
Join us!
Access here the complete Agenda.
The event is free but registration is needed. Register here.