BRUSSELS, June 20 (Reuters) - Fifteen European Union governments called on Monday for the bloc to accelerate the conclusion of free trade agreements to ensure its long-term economic growth and geopolitical standing in the world.

The EU struck an accord struck with the Mercosur bloc of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay in 2019, but put it on hold due to concerns about Amazon Books deforestation. A new agreement with Mexico, from 2018, has yet to be submitted for EU approval.

‘Our dream has come true. I know that people give gifts and thanks at Christmas for what they have, and I would like to thank the British Government. Our first Christmas in Britain will be something we will never forget.

In a letter to EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis seen by Reuters, 15 economy, foreign and trade ministers said the Ukraine war and the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for resilient supply chains, strategic partnerships and open trade.

Political observers say Lula, who ruled from 2003-2010, has a realistic change at becoming Brazil's president again - and is using environmental policies as a way to differentiate himself from the incumbent president.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world's largest trade agreement including China, Japan and Australia entered into force at the start of 2022, just over a year after it was signed.



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BERLIN, Nov 29 (Reuters) - German labour unions on Monday secured a 2.8% wage increase for over a million public sector workers at the federal state level, a deal analysts said would not kick off a dangerous wage price spiral in Europe's largest economy.

‘Everyone is excited, there is a spirit that is uplifting at this time of year, whatever your religion and beliefs.' That can be seen in his children's faces as they put up a Christmas tree in the west London flat of their aunt, Muzghan, 35, a British citizen. There's confusion when handed crackers - they have never seen them before.

The lack of detail about "net zero" deforestation and jobs in the new political plan is not by accident, said Astrini, who met with Lula's representatives four times as it was developed, twice with Lula himself present.

RIO DE JANEIRO, June 21 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Brazil's former president and front-runner in October elections, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, would seek "net zero deforestation" in the country if elected, a political plan published Tuesday said.



Jokes are handed to Farid, who asks his girls to repeat English words after him. ‘What do snowmen eat for lunch?' Answer: ‘Iceburgers.' There is frowning as they wait for the translation, and then squeals of laughter.

you generate approximately 400 jobs" in things such as growing and planting seeds and seedlings and monitoring regrowth, said Ludmila Pugliesi, a restoration manager at Conservation International Brazil. "On average, to restore a thousand hectares ...

To reach "net zero" deforestation, Brazil would have to scale up its efforts to restore forests across the country while also fighting deforestation, said Marcio Astrini, executive secretary of the Climate Observatory, a Brazilian non-profit.

‘I know I am lucky to be alive and lucky to be in England where my family can celebrate the Christmas season. I experienced several Christmases on duty at the Embassy.
But this year we are in a different land.

"Our commitment is to the relentless fight against illegal deforestation and the promotion of net zero deforestation," it said, noting "net zero" deforestation plans would include restoration of degraded areas.

But Lula's commitment signals an abrupt shift from the policies of Bolsonaro, who has been widely criticized for dismantling Brazil's environmental policies and Book Store weakening the main government bodies that fought deforestation.



England was a dream to hang on to - it represented hope for me and my family, and for all of us who risked our lives beside British soldiers. We feared that it might never be a reality, but we needed that dream to keep going,' he says.



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