Mercosur and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), composed of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, announced during the 66th Mercosur Summit in Buenos Aires the conclusion of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between the two blocs.
Launched in 2017, the negotiations were finalized in June 2025 after 14 rounds, including in-person and virtual sessions. According to Viviane Vecchi, Acting Secretary for International Affairs and Development of Brazil’s Ministry of Planning and Budget, this achievement strengthens Mercosur’s multilateral institutions and opens opportunities for trade, investment, and sustainable growth.
The Agreement covers key areas such as goods, services, investment, government procurement, competition, sustainable trade, and notably, intellectual property.
In this context, the newly published Annex XVII – Protection of Intellectual Property Rights establishes:
- Commitment to global standards (TRIPS, Paris, Berne, Rome).
- Future alignment with treaties such as the Madrid Protocol, Hague Agreement, and Marrakesh Treaty.
- Balance between innovation and access, in line with the Doha Declaration on TRIPS and Public Health.
- Fair enforcement against piracy and counterfeiting, safeguarding public interest.
- International cooperation on strategic areas including AI, climate change, and digital rights.
With this step, Mercosur strengthens its role as a global player, securing preferential access to new markets (EFTA, European Union, Singapore) and consolidating intellectual property as a strategic pillar for innovation, competitiveness, and economic growth.
Stay tuned for further updates on the practical impacts of this Agreement.
