Last weekend, that cycle ended. The world's largest free trade area has finally begun to take shape, linking two economic blocs that together represent around 700 million consumers.

It is not just a trade agreement. It is a long-term strategic choice.

While some voices stuck in outdated economic models continue to cling to the logic of protection, subsidies and fear of competition, the majority of Europe has decided to move forward. Against isolation, against unilateralism, against the temptation to close economic borders in a world that only grows when it cooperates.

And Portugal is in a unique position within this new chessboard.

I have been writing for years about the natural role that Portugal can and should assume as an Atlantic platform between Europe, South America and, increasingly, Africa. This agreement transforms that vision into an operational reality. It opens doors, eliminates tariffs, reduces barriers and creates one of the greatest commercial opportunities in the recent history of our country.

For Portuguese companies, Mercosur is no longer just a distant destination and has become an integrated, predictable and accessible market. For Brazilian, Argentinean, Paraguayan and Uruguayan companies, Portugal asserts itself as the logical entry point into the European Union. For the language, for the stability, for the infrastructure, for the talent and for our proven ability to execute.

This is not a theory. The numbers speak for themselves. Brussels estimates that European exports could grow by up to 39% when the agreement is fully in force, which represents almost 50 billion euros in additional trade. Portugal, with its expanding export base and an increasingly sophisticated business fabric, is prepared to capture a relevant part of this movement.

This is also a clear sign that Europe has chosen a different path from the current posture of the US administration, marked by tariffs, protectionism and a short-term vision. The European Union is committed to integration, scale and the creation of shared value. This decision will have profound effects for the next decade.

For Portugal, the challenge now is not only to seize the opportunity, but to position itself actively and strategically. To attract regional headquarters, decision-making centres, logistics platforms, industrial and financial hubs linked to this new Atlantic economic corridor. Create conditions for more Mercosur companies to choose Portugal as their European base. Strengthen economic diplomacy. Accelerate business, scientific and technological cooperation agreements.

The future of global trade is being redesigned. The signing of the EU-Mercosur agreement marks a change of era. And, for the first time in a long time, Portugal is not on the periphery of this change. It is right at its centre.

Now it’s up to us to do what we’ve always done best when we believe in ourselves: turn opportunity into growth, openness into prosperity, and vision into reality.