International analyst Ignacio Bartesaghi has cautioned that Mercosur currently lacks the necessary strength to successfully navigate a new stage of negotiations with the European Union. Bartesaghi attributes this weakness to rising tensions between Argentinian President Javier Milei and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The analyst emphasized the detrimental impact these strained relations have on the Latin American trade bloc’s cohesion and bargaining power. He argues that internal disagreements threaten Mercosur's ability to present a unified front during crucial trade talks with the EU. Bartesaghi stressed the urgency of avoiding further missteps and public embarrassments—referring to them as “papelones”—that could jeopardize the agreement. A concerted effort to address internal divisions is critical for Mercosur to proceed effectively with the EU negotiations and secure beneficial terms.