EU-Brazil Relations: A Strategic Partnership?

The global distribution of power is changing. Western dominance is declining, and new actors are entering the international stage.

In response to the changing global context the European Union (EU) is seeking to further develop strategic partnerships to promote its interests and influence beyond Europe's borders. In 2007, the EU established a strategic partnership with Brazil. The purpose of this initiative was to strengthen the Union's ties with the country, which is becoming an increasingly important regional and international player.

This article investigates the EU's relationship with Brazil since the end of the Cold War. In particular, it focuses on the nascent strategic partnership and its three priority areas for cooperation: enhancing bilateral relations, environmental sustainability and energy security. The article concludes that the strategic partnership lacks clearly defined purpose, direction and content. As a result, the Union's Brazil-related activities have been ad hoc rather than strategic so far. However, there may be room for joint leadership in mutual priority areas, if the EU and Brazil engage in a truly strategic partnership in the future.