Lula criticizes European countries for alleged “green protectionism”

On the last day of his visit to the African continent, this Sunday (27), President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) criticized European countries opposing what would be supposed “neocolonialism”, “green protectionism” and a rush for minerals critical elements, such as lithium, niobium, cobalt and rare earths, which are crucial for the energy and industrial transition.

The statements were made during the summit of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) in São Tomé and Príncipe, in which Lula also argued that the digital and ecological transition should benefit less developed nations, in a message directed at European countries with a colonial history. .

Lula stated that it is necessary to “avoid neocolonialism that leads to a new cycle of predatory exploitation of critical minerals and other natural resources. Nor should the ecological transition serve as a pretext for new green protectionisms”.

These statements are seen as a response to trade talks between the 27 European countries and Mercosur members (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay), which are at an impasse due to environmental demands made by the European Union to close the deal between the two. blocks.

The president also highlighted the importance of directing public policies towards people, especially when considering the preservation of forests and biodiversity. “We need to place people at the center of public policies, creating solutions that equitably reward the preservation of forests and biodiversity. Without adequate food, there is no prospect of a dignified life, ”he said.

Lula linked the advancement of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to rising unemployment and the spread of disinformation, considering this trend a threat to democracy.

“The new technologies are an extraordinary achievement of human intelligence, but with them unemployment and precariousness reach new heights”, he added. According to the president, unemployment, especially among young people, is a crucial challenge for African nations, including those considered more economically developed.

Lula concluded his speech by stating his intention to guarantee decent work, fair wages and protection for workers through the Decent Work Initiative, which will be launched in September in partnership with the President of the United States, Joe Biden.

The CPLP summit, focused on sustainability and youth, brought together leaders from Portuguese-speaking countries with the aim of strengthening cooperation and addressing issues relevant to the development of these nations. The group brings together, according to the government, 300 million consumers on four continents, with a GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of US$ 2.3 trillion.