Brazil Roundup: BRICS agenda for TVET, Brazil–France trade ties, Trump to attend COP30 in Brazil

Brazil Sets BRICS Agenda for TVET

Members of the BRICS bloc are advancing cooperation in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to support sustainable socio-economic development, according to the Brazilian Government's official website. The Brazilian Ministry of Education hosted a meeting of the BRICS TVET Cooperation Alliance (BRICS TCA), focusing on expanding access to education, fostering innovation, and addressing labour market skill demands.

Lula calls for stronger Brazil–France trade ties

At the closing session of the Brazil–France Business Forum in Paris on June 6, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called for deepening bilateral relations to boost trade. He emphasised the strategic importance of expanding economic, political, and cultural ties and welcomed the announcement of $19 billion in investments over five years starting in 2026, framing the forum as a key step toward opening new markets and strengthening cooperation.

Lula backs UN-led Ukraine talks, pledges swift EU-Mercosur deal

In France, President Lula proposed a UN-led coalition to mediate peace between Russia and Ukraine, citing the need for balanced, realistic negotiations. He pledged to finalise the EU–Mercosur trade agreement within six months, emphasising it is a multilateral deal, not just between Brazil and France.

The Brazilian delegation will next attend the UN Ocean Conference where it will push for the release of $1.3 trillion for climate action.

I will personally urge Trump to attend COP30 in Brazil - Lula

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced that he will personally call former U.S. President Donald Trump to urge his attendance at COP30 in Belém, if Trump has not confirmed closer to the event. Lula emphasised the importance of U.S. participation, citing the country’s significant role in global emissions.

He noted that a special meeting of heads of state will be held two days before the summit to deepen climate discussions.

Bolsonaro appears before Supreme Court in coup attempt trial

Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro appeared before Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes on June 10, alongside seven co-defendants, in the first criminal trial of a former president for attempted coup d’état. The hearing, held in Brasília, examined the alleged plot to prevent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from assuming office after the 2022 election. Federal police identified Bolsonaro as having a "direct and active" role.