FGV promotes strategic dialogue Brazil-European Union on defense, technology, and sustainability

On December 8, the Fundação Getulio Vargas held a seminar featuring eurodeputy Ana Miguel Pedro, gathering FGV directors, Brazilian authorities, and experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities of the strategic partnership between Brazil and the European Union in areas such as defense, technology, sustainability, and economic growth.  
 

Context and opening 

Sara Pais, the International Affairs Manager at FGV Europe, highlighted that Brazil and the EU share democratic values, a commitment to innovation, and a common responsibility in facing global challenges. She also emphasized the increasing presence of FGV Europe in Europe, now with offices in Cologne and Brussels. 

Carlos Ivan Simonsen Leal, president of FGV, underscored the event's relevance amidst the final negotiations of the Mercosur–EU agreement, emphasizing its potential to promote stability in an international context marked by wars and geopolitical tensions. 
 

Key points from eurodeputy Ana Miguel Pedro's speech 

- The EU is experiencing one of its most complex moments since 1945, with conflicts reinstating security and defense as central priorities. 

- Topics such as defense, transnational organized crime, and artificial intelligence require urgent cooperation. 

- AI will define a significant portion of the global economy and governance, presenting ethical and security risks. 

- Brazil is viewed by the EU as a strategic partner, especially in the defense sector, which accounts for 3.8% of Brazil's GDP. The KC-390 aircraft from Embraer was cited as an example of interoperability. 

- Even without a formal cooperation agreement in defense, there is a solid foundation to deepen the partnership, given mutual trust and more than 30 existing sectoral dialogues. 
 

Research and innovation 

Professor Paula Wojcikiewicz Almeida presented research from the Global Law Research Center and the Jean Monnet Center (FGV Rio Law), highlighting studies on: 

- The European Regulation against Deforestation (EUDR); 

- Monitoring platforms for impacts in Brazil, initially for the coffee sector, with expansion to other areas. 

The studies aim to support evidence-based public policies and strengthen dialogue between academia, society, and policymakers. 

Institutional participation 

FGV directors, public authorities, and representatives from various centers and schools of the institution actively participated, reinforcing FGV's commitment to deepening Brazil-EU relations. 

The seminar was also supported by FGV Rio Law, the Global Law Center, and the Jean Monnet Excellence Center. 

Watch the seminar recording on YouTube here. 

Learn more about FGV Europe by clicking here.