Negotiations address collaboration with Mercosur and Chile
The third round of EU-Mercosur and EU-Chile negotiations, which are hoped to enhance cooperation, began on 7 November. Among the issues to be discussed are scientific cooperation with Chile as well as social and cultural cooperation, and economic cooperation with Mercosur. Previously, at the third meeting of the EU-Mercosur Joint Committee in April 2000, the Commission and Mercosur, science and technology as well as the information society were identified as priority areas for cooperation during the period 2000 to 2003. External Relations Commissioner Chris Patten opened the negotiations in Brasilia, underlining the European Union's commitment to the talks.