Russian allies Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela disputed a declaration condemning Russia’s involvement in Ukraine drafted by other member states at the summit.
The EU also signed an accord with Chile on importing raw materials, to reduce reliance on China.
However, climate change was a key issue at the summit. On Tuesday morning, Luxembourg premier Xavier Bettel told the German press that that the climate topic was just as important, if not more important, than economic aspects in the trade agreement talks with the MERCOSUR states.
“If we don’t sit down together and come up with solutions to the climate issue, it will end up becoming far more expensive,” Bettel said.
The Southern common market has around 300 million inhabitants, made up of founding nations Brasil,Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, as well as seven other associated member states.Venezuela is currently suspended from the trade agreement.
A free trade agreement between the EU and the MERCOSUR states has been repeatedly delayed due to climate issues.
The summit between the EU, Caribbean and South American countries ends on Tuesday.
