President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva led a virtual Brics meeting on Monday (8), stating that the bloc’s countries are targets of illegal trade practices and “tariff blackmail.” The event, held under Brazil’s rotating presidency, brought together leaders from nations such as China, Russia, India, South Africa, Egypt, Indonesia, and Iran, along with representatives from other members. Lula’s speech, released by the Planalto Palace, emphasized the need to strengthen intra-bloc trade and promote multilateralism in response to measures like the 50% surcharge imposed by the United States on Brazilian products. The summit also addressed topics such as COP 30, big tech regulation, and geopolitical tensions, including U.S. military presence in the Caribbean. The meeting comes amid global instability, two months after the Brics in-person summit in Rio de Janeiro. The Brazilian president advocated for digital sovereignty and the reform of international organizations, such as the WTO, to counter protectionism.
The meeting, which was not publicly broadcast, had its transcript released to the press, revealing Lula’s focus on cooperation among bloc countries to mitigate the impacts of unilateral sanctions. He avoided directly mentioning the United States but criticized measures that restrict trade with “friendly countries.” The summit also served as a platform to discuss expanding partnerships and preparing for global events, such as COP 30, scheduled for November in Belém.
- Key summit themes:
- Combating unfair trade practices and unilateral sanctions.
- Strengthening trade and financial integration within Brics.
- Promoting digital sovereignty against foreign manipulation.
- Preparing for COP 30 and reforming international organizations.
Response to U.S. tariffs
Lula highlighted the 50% surcharge imposed by the United States as an example of “tariff blackmail” affecting not only Brazil but other Brics members, such as India, which faces additional tariffs due to its trade with Russia. The Brazilian president stressed that these measures limit trade freedom with partner nations, harming the global economy. He stated that Brics must lead the defense of multilateralism, promoting a fairer international order.
Brazil, under Lula’s leadership, has already initiated consultations at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to negotiate the reduction of tariffs imposed by Washington. The Brazilian government’s strategy is to seek a coordinated response with other bloc countries, avoiding unilateral actions that could escalate tensions. The virtual summit was an opportunity to align positions among leaders, focusing on strategies to enhance the group’s economic resilience.
- Proposed measures against tariffs:
- WTO consultations to negotiate with the United States.
- Expanding intra-Brics trade to reduce external dependence.
- Discussion on alternative financial systems to the dollar.
Digital sovereignty in focus
Big tech regulation was another key point in Lula’s speech. The president reaffirmed his intention to send bills to the National Congress to regulate digital platforms, despite criticism from the United States, which views these measures as censorship. Lula argued that digital sovereignty is essential to protect Brics countries from foreign manipulation, particularly by tech companies concentrated in a few nations.
Brazil has made progress in discussions about holding digital platforms accountable. In June, the Supreme Federal Court (STF) declared Article 19 of the Internet Civil Framework partially unconstitutional, allowing content removal without a court order in certain cases. This decision sparked tensions with the U.S. government, which sees Brazil’s actions as a threat to its tech companies. Lula, however, maintained that Brazil has the sovereign right to establish rules in line with its legislation and culture.
- Pillars of digital sovereignty defended by Lula:
- Regulation of platforms based on national laws.
- Protection against foreign manipulation in the digital environment.
- Promotion of democratic internet governance.
- Combating the concentration of power in a few tech companies.
COP 30 and environmental focus
Lula took the opportunity to reiterate the invitation to Brics countries to participate in the Tropical Forests Fund, to be launched during COP 30 in Belém, Pará, from November 10 to 21. The president highlighted the importance of coordinating global efforts to address the climate crisis, proposing the creation of a UN Climate Change Council. The initiative aims to unify actors and mechanisms currently fragmented, increasing the effectiveness of environmental actions.
Choosing Belém as the host city for COP 30 reflects Brazil’s commitment to preserving the Amazon, which Lula described as a priority of his government. He also invited world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, to visit the region during the event. The Brics summit reinforced the bloc’s relevance in the climate debate, with member countries representing about 40% of global GDP and a significant voice in the Global South.
- COP 30 objectives highlighted by Lula:
- Launch of the Tropical Forests Fund.
- Creation of a UN Climate Change Council.
- Engagement of global leaders in environmental preservation.
- Promotion of the Amazon as a symbol of sustainability.
Geopolitical tensions and criticism of militarism
The U.S. military presence in the Caribbean was criticized by Lula, who described it as a “tension factor” incompatible with the region’s peaceful vocation. The Brazilian president linked the movement of U.S. fighter jets and vessels to an attempt to pressure Venezuela, whose government is accused by Washington of involvement in drug trafficking. Lula advocated for a negotiated solution to regional conflicts, avoiding military escalations.
Additionally, the president condemned the Russia-Ukraine war, calling for a resolution that respects the security concerns of all parties. He also reiterated his stance against Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip, labeling them as “genocide” and demanding an end to military operations in Palestinian territories. These statements reinforce Brics’ role as a platform for criticizing unilateralism and militarization.
- Lula’s positions on conflicts:
- Criticism of U.S. military presence in the Caribbean.
- Defense of a peaceful solution to the Ukraine war.
- Condemnation of Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip.
- Call for greater Brics cooperation in conflict mediation.
Strengthening multilateralism
Lula advocated for reforming international organizations, such as the UN and WTO, to make them more representative and effective. He highlighted that Brics, with its growing economic and political influence, is well-positioned to lead a multilateral trade system. The president proposed that the bloc intensify partnerships in areas like health, digital economy, and infrastructure, reducing dependence on financial systems dominated by Western powers.
The virtual summit also addressed preparations for global events, such as the UN General Assembly in September and the G20 Summit led by South Africa. Lula emphasized that Brics must act cohesively to ensure concrete results in these meetings, strengthening the Global South’s voice. The meeting marked the start of an ambitious agenda for Brazil, which assumed the bloc’s presidency in 2025.
- Brazil’s priorities in the Brics presidency:
- Reform of global governance, including the UN Security Council.
- Expansion of cooperation in health and digital economy.
- Strengthening of the New Development Bank (NDB).
- Coordination for global events like COP 30 and G20.
