Habeck calls for German-Brazilian 'green bridge' during visit

German Economy Minister and Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck wants to launch a new chapter in German-Brazilian relations, in particular in terms of climate and environmental policy, he said during a visit on Monday, reported dpa.

He spoke of a "green bridge" across the Atlantic, at the opening of the German-Brazilian Business Days in Belo Horizonte.

Brazil is performing strongly in renewable energy production, he said, and has great potential for hydrogen production.

Habeck also said there was an opportunity to conclude the European Union's stalled free trade agreement with the South American confederation Mercosur.

However, growth and prosperity and the protection of natural resources must go hand in hand, he said, referring to the protection of the rainforest.

He is visiting the region together with Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir, both of whom are from the Greens, the second-largest party in Germany's governing coalition.

They are pursuing the deal that the EU has long been negotiating with the countries in Mercosur: Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.

If it goes ahead, the agreement would create one of the largest free trade areas in the world with more than 700 million people.

However, it was on hold under Brazil's previous right-wing president, Jair Bolsonaro, who refused to act on climate change.

Also, climate activists and pro-consumer groups are campaigning against the agreement, which threatens the rainforest and increases beef production.

But at the event on Monday, Siegfried Russwurm, president of the Federation of German Industries, said Brazil would play an increasingly important role. Germany needs Brazil as an economic, ecological and geopolitical partner, he said. The planned free trade agreement must be adopted quickly, he said.