ABOUT US
Who we are
The Delegation to Brazil, promotes European Union values and policies, represents the EU and its citizens and builds networks and partnerships. By engaging with political actors, the media, academia, business, and civil society, it raises awareness of EU issues and interests and promotes the importance of the EU-Brazil bilateral relations among the Brazilian public. It also develops cooperation through projects and grants.
On This Page
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CopyrightEUDEL Brazil
The seat of the diplomatic mission with its initial 11 staff members was inaugurated in December 1984. Its present-day site at SHIS EQL 06/08, Lote B, Lago Sul, Brasília, since September 2023.
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Amândio de Azevedo from Portugal was the first Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the Commission of the European Communities accredited to Brazil from 1987 to 1991
OUR OFFICE
With the intent to strengthen and consolidate the existing diplomatic relations between Brazil and the European Communities, on 4th April 1984, the Delegation of the Commission of the European Communities to Brasil was officially created. The Establishment Agreement was signed in Brussels by Ambassador Luiz Augusto Pereira Souto Maior, representing the Brazilian Government and the Commissioner for External Relations, Wilhelm Haferkamp, representing the Commission. On 30th October in the same year, the Delegation received full diplomatic status with the passing into law by the National Congress of Legislative Decree 48/1984.
Amândio de Azevedo, from Portugal, was the first Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the Commission of the European Communities accredited to Brazil.
In 2009, with the Treaty of Lisbon the European Union replaced and succeeded the European Community establishing the EU's diplomatic service, the European External Action Service (EEAS), and the Delegation became the Delegation of the European Union to Brazil.
Brazil and the EU share a long-standing relationship based on strong cultural and historical ties. Since the 1960s, when their diplomatic relations were first established, the bilateral relations have undergone several changes, consolidating and boosting political and economic links and opening new areas of cooperation. Presently the Strategic Partnership includes around thirty sectoral dialogues in areas such as political relations, human rights, trade, energy, cybernetics, research and innovation, digital policies and climate change.
Ambassador Marian Schuegraf from German is presently the Head of Delegation of the European Union to Brazil since September 2023.
HOW WE WORK
The EU Delegation in Brasilia works in teams (known as sections) that deal with important and wide-ranging priorities.
Head of Delegation and Deputy Head of Delegation (Management)
The Ambassador is the Head of Delegation. He represents the EU in Brazil, and is responsible for the EU Member States local coordination, ensuring a high degree of consistency between the different areas of the EU’s external actions.
The Deputy Head of Delegation assists the Head of Delegation providing advice and support in all key areas and representing him in his absence. In particular, the Deputy Head of Delegation assists the Head of Delegation in the management of all staff and financial resources. Ensures efficient overall operation of the Delegation by co-ordinating the Delegation's work across all sections and ensures implementation and follow-up of key sectoral, thematic and horizontal tasks.
Political, Press and Information
The Political, Press and Information Section follows all issues related to Brazilian home and foreign affairs, including the economy and regulatory issues, as well as the overall coordination of communication, press and public diplomacy activities and Consular & Schengen matters. Most of its work is realized in close cooperation with the other Sections of the Delegation.
Trade
The Trade Section monitors trade and regulatory developments in Brazil, including agriculture. It promotes EU trade policies focused on multilateralism and on reforms for a fairer and more sustainable global trade. The EU is Brazil's second largest trading partner accounting for 15% of its total trade, and Brazil is the EU's twelfth largest trading partner accounting for 1.5% of total EU trade.
Other EU Policies
The Other EU Policies Section deals with important intersectoral policies and actions, such as Economy, Industry, Digital Transformation, Climate Action, Energy, Environment, Health and Food Safety Affairs, Science, Research and Innovation. One of its main tasks is to ensure consistency between the EU’s official positions and the Delegation’s activities and to leverage the Delegation resources steering the sustainability agenda, scientific collaboration and digital transformation.
Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI)
The FPI Section funds initiatives that are instrumental in underpinning the EU’s policy interests and priorities with concrete actions, including in the areas of environment and climate change, trade and sustainable economic development, human rights, civil society engagement, women empowerment and migrant issues. The mission of the European Commission's Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI) is to put EU foreign policy into action, as part of a comprehensive geopolitical vision.
Cooperation
The Cooperation Section is responsible for the allocation of funding for cooperation and development by means of grants to projects and programmes under international partnerships calls for proposals.
Finance, contracts and audit
This Finance, Contracts and Audit Section performs financial and contractual management functions in line with the EU’s financial regulations.
Administration
The Administration Section provides support services to the Delegation staff, building, and residences through the authorized allocation of budgetary resources. It also liaises with authorities in Europe and Brazil on protocol and administrative matters related to EU officials.