This Friday (Apr. 17), President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will participate in the 1st Brazil–Spain Summit, where he will be welcomed by Spanish President Pedro Sánchez. The Brazilian government expects that, during the summit, the two countries will expand their common ground on issues such as multilateralism, international law, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Agreements and treaties in areas such as gender equality, the social solidarity economy, health, culture, entrepreneurship, air services, telecommunications, science, and technology are expected to be signed.

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The president arrived on Thursday (Apr. 16) in the Spanish city of Barcelona, the first stop on his trip to three European countries - Spain, Germany, and Portugal. He is accompanied by a delegation of 15 ministers.

“The goal is to consolidate partnerships, attract investment, and discuss urgent global issues such as defending democracy, multilateralism, and the fight against inequality,” Lula posted on social media.

The trip also seeks to build support for Michelle Bachelet’s candidacy for United Nations (UN) Secretary-General and comes at a critical moment in relations with the European Union, ahead of the provisional entry into force of the Mercosur–European Union agreement, scheduled for May 1.

On Saturday (18), the fourth high-level meeting of the Forum for the Defense of Democracy, launched in 2024, will take place. The meeting will focus on issues related to multilateralism, including the process of selecting the next UN Secretary-General, as well as inequalities, with Brazil advocating the inclusion in the final declaration of provisions on political and digital gender-based violence, and the fight against disinformation.

On Sunday (19), Lula will depart for Germany, where he will participate in Hannover Messe - the world’s largest trade fair for industrial innovation and technology - which is honoring Brazil this year.

While in Germany, he will also hold a meeting with Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Brazilian diplomats expect 10 agreements to be signed between the two countries, covering areas such as defense, climate change, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, energy innovation, the bioeconomy, sustainable development, app development, and research on the oceans and the Brazilian Cerrado biome.

On Monday (Apr. 20), the delegation’s schedule includes the opening of the Brazilian booth at the Hannover Messe trade fair and a guided tour of the pavilions. In Germany, Lula will also take part in a business forum.

The trip will conclude on Tuesday (21) with a brief state visit to Portugal. In Lisbon, Lula will meet with Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and President António José Seguro. The meetings will address items on the bilateral agenda, such as cooperation in aviation, science, technology and innovation, as well as issues related to immigration, the fight against xenophobia, the Brazilian community in Portugal, peace, and international security.