President Lula’s official visit to Barcelona strengthens economic partnerships and the defense of democracy

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva paid an official visit to Barcelona, Spain, from the evening of April 16 through the morning of April 19. The trip was marked by the signing of bilateral agreements, participation in international forums, and efforts to deepen economic and political ties with the Spanish government. Alongside Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and other progressive global leaders, Lula emphasized the need to strengthen democracy, regulate digital platforms, and reform multilateral institutions, while also promoting investment opportunities in Brazil.

The visit focused on consolidating the strategic partnership between the two countries and reinforcing commitments to democracy and multilateralism. It also resulted in the signing of 15 bilateral agreements covering areas such as critical minerals, science and technology, racial equality, combating violence against women, and economic cooperation.

DEFENSE OF DEMOCRACY – At the Royal Palace of Pedralbes on Friday morning (April 17), Lula and Pedro Sánchez held a bilateral meeting, followed by a signing ceremony and a joint press statement. A key topic was the urgent need to regulate the digital environment and combat online crime.

We want a world in which sovereignty is respected and multilateral rules are upheld. Brazil and Spain stand on the same frontline. Together, we demonstrate that it is possible to address global challenges without yielding to the empty promises of extremism”
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of the Republic of Brazil

“If something is a crime in the real world, it must also be a crime in the digital world,” Lula stated. “The rise in violence is closely linked to the spread of hate speech online. Virtual space has become toxic, affecting the mental health of our young people.” Sánchez echoed this concern, noting that “social media currently operates without clear rules. Standards applied in the physical world do not extend to the digital sphere, which is deeply worrying—not only for parents, but for young people themselves.”

Addressing institutional responses, Lula highlighted initiatives undertaken by both countries and called for stronger international coordination. “Brazil’s Digital Child and Adolescent Statute (Estatuto Digital da Criança e do Adolescente do Brasil/ECA Digital) was developed with broad participation from civil society and represents, in my view, one of the most significant frameworks ever created for protecting minors. It is a first step in regulation that we must establish across various areas, and I hope the world recognizes this—because digital regulation is not a national or regional issue: it is a challenge for all of humanity.”

The President also warned about the risks children face online: “Digital criminals can exploit a child’s image in any way they choose. Unless digital violence is treated with the same seriousness as violence in the physical world, we will not solve this problem.”

The leaders also stressed the connection between democracy and inequality. “I want to know where we, as democrats, have failed—where democratic institutions stopped functioning,” Lula said. “You begin to realize that what was created to strengthen the democratic process is gradually fading, becoming depleted. Over the past two decades, the working class has steadily lost ground in most countries. Wealth concentration has increased, human rights won with blood and sweat are being rolled back, and democracy itself has weakened—creating fertile ground for extremism.”

CRITICAL MINERALS AGREEMENTS AND STRATEGIC COOPERATION – The meeting resulted in 15 bilateral agreements, including a Memorandum of Understanding on critical minerals. The agreement establishes cooperation across the entire value chain—from exploration to refining and technological innovation—with a focus on the energy transition and economic security.

“We are working to reduce inequalities both within and between countries,” Lula said. “We want a world in which sovereignty is respected and multilateral rules are upheld. Brazil and Spain stand on the same frontline. Together, we demonstrate that it is possible to address global challenges without yielding to the empty promises of extremism,” the President stated in a press statement at the Palace of Pedralbes.

Lula also underscored the importance of international cooperation in public security: “International cooperation to combat organized crime must be based on equality. Our partnership with Spain reflects this approach, including joint operations against drug trafficking that have led to the seizure of more than ten tons of drugs.”

On natural resources, he reaffirmed Brazil’s sovereignty: “We are open to partnerships with any country willing to work with us, but the transformation process will take place within Brazil. Brazil alone will retain ownership of its mineral wealth.”

The agreements also included initiatives in science and technology, culture, air transport, support for small businesses, and public policies promoting racial equality and the protection of women.

INVESTMENT AND ECONOMIC RELATIONS – On April 17, Lula participated in the Spain–Brazil Business Summit, where he presented Brazil’s economic outlook and encouraged increased investment.

“If there is a safe place to invest, it is Brazil,” he said. “You will always be welcome in Brazil. We must encourage Brazilian companies to invest abroad while also attracting foreign capital to Brazil.”

Lula also highlighted key economic indicators: “Brazil is experiencing its strongest wage growth, the lowest unemployment rate in its history, record levels of financing for agribusiness, and is on track to achieve another record in agricultural production.”

The economic agenda also included discussions on the Mercosur–European Union agreement, set to take effect on May 1, which is expected to expand trade and investment flows between the two blocs.

GLOBAL GOVERNANCE REFORM – On Saturday (April 18), Lula took part in the 4th High-Level Meeting of the “Democracy Always” Forum (4ª Reunião de Alto Nível do Fórum Democracia Sempre), alongside Sánchez and leaders Claudia Sheinbaum (Mexico), Gustavo Petro (Colombia), Yamandú Orsi (Uruguay), and Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa), as well as German Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

In his remarks, Lula criticized the current global governance system: “The United Nations cannot remain silent in the face of what is happening in the world. Today, it no longer reflects the purpose for which it was created. The five members of the Security Council, established to ensure peace after World War II, have become the masters of war.”

The President reaffirmed the importance of multilateralism: “What strongly drives us is the commitment to cooperation among nations. That is my concern.”

Lula also linked global conflicts to social challenges: “The world does not need more wars. More than 760 million people are already suffering from hunger.”

RESPONDING TO EXTREMISM – Concluding his visit, Lula participated in the Global Progressive Mobilization, which brought together international leaders in defense of democracy and cooperation.

“What we are building here is the beginning of a movement that must act every day, every week, every month, and 365 days a year, to restore the most sacred values—democracy and multilateralism,” he said.

He also criticized the dominant economic model: “The neoliberal project promised prosperity but delivered hunger, inequality, and insecurity. It has triggered crisis after crisis.”

On the rise of the far right, he observed: “The far right has capitalized on the frustration caused by the unfulfilled promises of neoliberalism.”

Lula called for greater political accountability: “We cannot campaign on one platform and govern on another. We must not betray the trust of the people.”

He concluded by emphasizing the need for coordinated global action: “This struggle must be global.”

He ended with a reflection on democracy and social inclusion: “Democracy is not a destination; it is a daily construction. It must go beyond elections and deliver tangible improvements in people’s lives. There is no true democracy when a father does not know where his next meal will come from.”