Lula attends Hannover Fair and reinforces strategic partnership between Brazil and Germany with agenda focused on industry and energy transition

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva paid an official visit to Hanover, Germany, from April 19 to 21, with a schedule concentrated on Sunday and Monday (April 19 and 20). During his stay in the European country, Lula took part in the opening of the Hannover Industrial Fair (Hannover Messe 2026), the Brazil–Germany Economic Meeting, meetings with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and the inauguration of the Brazilian pavilion at the fair, in addition to engagements with business and political leaders. The visit focused on strengthening bilateral relations, promoting investment, and expanding cooperation in areas such as the energy transition, industrial innovation, and multilateralism.

INDUSTRIAL FAIR – On Sunday, April 19, Lula attended the opening ceremony of the Hannover Industrial Fair, considered the world’s largest trade fair for industrial innovation and technology. In his remarks, the President defended the need to reform the international system and expand cooperation among countries.

In addition to immeasurable human losses, wars cause tangible economic damage. Fluctuations in oil prices increase the cost of energy and transport. Fertilizer shortages affect agricultural production and heighten food insecurity. It is the most vulnerable who bear the cost of rising food prices,”
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of the Republic of Brazil

“A new development paradigm requires fair and balanced multilateralism,” he said. The President noted that the event brings together authorities and representatives from strategic sectors and forms part of the agenda to strengthen Brazil–Germany relations, with a focus on building sustainable partnerships and diversifying trade flows.

During his statement, Lula also addressed the impacts of international tensions on the global economy. “In addition to immeasurable human losses, wars cause tangible economic damage. Fluctuations in oil prices increase the cost of energy and transport. Fertilizer shortages affect agricultural production and heighten food insecurity. It is the most vulnerable who bear the cost of rising food prices,” he stated.

In the social and labor sphere, the President presented as a priority the bill submitted to the National Congress to reduce the workweek from 44 to 40 hours, with two days of paid rest and no reduction in wages. The proposal seeks to put an end to the six-days-on, one-day-off model. Lula also cited social indicators, such as Brazil’s removal from the Food and Agriculture Organization Hunger Map and the reduction in unemployment.

The Brazilian President also highlighted public policies aimed at neo-industrialization and attracting investment. “Since 2023, we have been rebuilding the State’s capacity to drive economic growth and social inclusion,” he said.

LEADERSHIP IN THE ENERGY TRANSITION – On Monday morning (April 20), Lula attended the opening of the Brazilian pavilion at the Hannover Fair. On the occasion, he underscored the goal of positioning the country as a global leader in the energy transition and in clean industry.

“Brazil is a country that seeks to become a prosperous economy. We are tired of being treated as a poor and small country,” he said.

The Brazilian President highlighted the potential of Brazil’s energy matrix and its capacity for cooperation with Germany. “We have the ability to share with Germany initiatives across South America,” he highlighted.

Throughout the visit, Lula also defended the use of biofuels and energy diversification. “There is no energy security without diversification,” he said in a statement to the press.

The agenda included visits to stands of Brazilian companies and demonstrations of industrial technologies, as well as meetings aimed at expanding investment and scientific cooperation.

BUSINESS SUMMIT – Also on Monday, Lula took part in the 42nd Brazil–Germany Economic Meeting, a forum that brings together business leaders from both countries. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of the bilateral relationship and the role of the private sector in enabling investment.

“Germany is an indispensable partner for Brazil. I do not doubt that Germany sees Brazil in the same way,” he declared.

The Brazilian President presented economic data to support Brazil’s potential as an investment destination. According to him, the country is mobilizing around USD 350 billion under an infrastructure and innovation program. He also highlighted the performance of strategic sectors, such as agribusiness, which reached USD 169 billion in exports, and EMBRAER, with revenues exceeding USD 7.5 billion.

Lula also pointed to recent economic developments. “Brazilian industry has resumed growth [...]. We approved in the National Congress a tax reform that had been pending for more than 40 years. We are simplifying the business environment, reducing costs, and increasing competitiveness,” he said.

The Brazilian President also referred to the international context and the need for cooperation amid global transformations. “Climate change is a reality. The international economy is fragmenting,” he stated.

MEETING WITH MERZ – As part of Monday’s agenda, the Brazilian President also held bilateral meetings with German authorities, including a meeting with Chancellor Friedrich Merz, followed by a joint press statement.

In his closing remarks, Lula highlighted the entry into force of the Mercosur–European Union Agreement, scheduled for May 1, as a milestone for economic integration.

“After 25 years of negotiations, our regions have said yes to integration to create a free trade area encompassing 720 million people,” he said.

According to the President, the agreement expands cooperation in areas such as technology, energy, and climate. “We are talking about a model of cooperation that values and protects workers, human rights, and the environment,” he stated.

The environmental agenda was accompanied by data on conservation and financing. Lula cited the reduction in deforestation — 50% in the Amazon and 32% in the Cerrado — and highlighted cooperation with Germany, including contributions of €1 billion to the Tropical Forests Forever Facility and €500 million to the Climate Fund. The President also noted that Brazil has a largely clean electricity matrix and strong potential to produce green hydrogen at scale on a competitive basis.

During the meetings, understandings were reached in sectors such as defense, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, the circular economy, and renewable energy, as well as progress in bilateral coordination on multilateral issues.

DEFENSE COOPERATION – In the defense area, discussions included the construction of Tamandaré-class frigates by a binational consortium, with deliveries expected through 2028 and negotiations underway for additional units. In health, the President pointed to opportunities for cooperation within Brazil’s Health Industrial Complex, including the use of the Unified Health System (SUS) procurement capacity to attract investment and develop smart hospitals.

Lula also defended strengthening digital sovereignty, with investments in national technological infrastructure such as data centers and semiconductors, as well as stronger data protection.

“We cannot counter unilateralism with more unilateralism,” he underscored.

The visit to Germany consolidated the economic pillar of a broader European mission that began in Spain, focused on defending multilateralism and strengthening strategic partnerships. Upon concluding his agenda in Hanover and departing for Portugal on Tuesday morning (April 21), the President reiterated the strategy of expanding Brazil’s participation in higher-value-added global value chains.

At the end of his engagements in Germany, Lula summarized the objective of Brazil’s participation: “After Brazil’s presence at this fair, Germany–Brazil relations will never be the same again,” he said.