Uruguay in the EU-MERCOSUR agreement: political economy of positionings and implications

The article analyses the agreement between the European Union (EU) and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), signed in a first instance in 2019, from a Uruguayan perspective. For such purpose, it firstly considers the negotiating path, along with the domestic political and social positionings identified. Then, it offers a general assessment, from a multi-sectoral perspective, regarding the expected benefits and costs, and it touches on some relevant debates about the legitimacy of FTAs and their role in the disputes over the imposition of different economic models. Lastly, recognising Uruguay ' s necessity regarding the formation of trade agreements to support its export projection, the final reflections introduce some elements that seek to enhance the legitimacy and social sustainability of the agreement.