Uruguay takes over Mercosur presidency, vows to modernize and open the bloc
Uruguay's President Yamandú Orsi assumed the pro tempore presidency of Mercosur from Paraguay, setting as priorities to "keep modernizing" the bloc and consolidate its trade opening. The handover followed the provisional entry into force of the bloc's agreement with the European Union. Orsi said he wants a Mercosur "more open to the world."
Uruguay's President Yamandú Orsi assumed the pro tempore presidency of Mercosur on Tuesday from his Paraguayan counterpart Santiago Peña. Speaking at the 68th heads-of-state summit in Luque, Orsi defined the priorities of his term as modernizing the bloc and deepening its trade opening.
The handover came just after the provisional entry into force of the bloc's agreement with the European Union. "We want a more modern, more dynamic Mercosur, more open to the world, but above all a Mercosur that produces concrete results for its citizens," Orsi said.
The four-nation bloc has long debated loosening its internal-market rules and forging new trade partnerships. Analysts said Uruguay's opening-friendly stance could shape the bloc's trade agenda in the period ahead, particularly as members weigh how far to broaden ties beyond the region.
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