The LMU Latin America Network invites you to a public panel discussion exploring the multifaceted perspectives on the EU-Mercosur Agreement from academia, business, and civil society.
On 17 January 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen signed the free trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur states of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay in Asunción. This would create the world’s largest free trade area, encompassing over 700 million people – around ten per cent of the world’s population – and accounting for a fifth of global economic output.
However, the project faces new challenges immediately following the signing: What impact will the opening of markets have on the European single market? What do the easier imports of agricultural goods mean for the agricultural industry in Europe? How can established standards for sustainability and consumer protection be permanently safeguarded within an intercontinental trade zone? What significance will the EU have for future economic and social development in Latin America? What overall geopolitical and socio-economic changes will this agreement bring about for the Latin American region?
The event offers a forum to weigh up these questions and highlight the opportunities and risks for Europe and a stable global economic order amidst geopolitical realignments.
Panelists
Prof. Dr Lisandra Flach, Director of the ifo Center for International Economics and Professor of Economics, LMU Munich
Prof. Dr Johannes Glückler, Chair for Economic Geographies of the Future and Head of the Economic Geography Group, LMU Munich
Mar-Lizette Malherbe, Munich Re, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Life & Health
Dr Bettina Rudloff, German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP)
Isabella Timm-Guri, Bavarian Farmers’ Association, Director of the Production and Marketing Division
Moderator
Prof. Dr Benjamin Loy, Professor of Romance Philology/Latin America Network, LMU Munich
The LMU Latin America Network brings together researchers from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich who are committed to interdisciplinary academic cooperation with Latin America across research, teaching and knowledge transfer.
The event will be held in German. Further information and the registration link can be found on the Amerikahaus website.