EU/Brazil

Sarkozy attends last summit as EU head

Article published on the 2008-12-22 Latest update 2008-12-22 11:27 TU

Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva
( Credit: Paulo Cordiero/AFP )

French president Nicolas Sarkozy is set to arrive in Rio de Janeiro for a two-day EU-Brazil summit which will focus on the global financial crisis and climate change. On Tuesday, Sarkozy and his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva are expected to sign a range of agreements. These could include a deal that would help build South American's first nuclear propelled submarine.

Climate change will also top the agenda with the possibility of a deal between the European Investment Banks and Brazil's National Bank for Economic and Social Development to fund up to 400 million euros worth of projects.

Brazil is currently lobbying hard for tariffs against ethanol to be lifted. The country is the second largest ethanol producer after the US and Europe has already declared that it wants to increase the number of ethanol-powered vehicles in Europe.

Brazil is also looking to play a greater role on the international front. It wants to join the United Nations Security Council as a permament member, but faces opposition from Italy and Spain.

This is the French president's last summit as head of the European Union before handing over to the Czech Republic. But it is not all work and no play. Sarkozy is accompanied by his wife, the former model and singer, Carla Bruni.

The two are set to attend a concert on Monday for the launch of a year of France in Brazil - a month long event promoting the country's customs and culture. They will then take a weeklong vacation in the country before returning to France for the New year.