News from South America
MercoPress South Atlantic News Agency
- Mercosur and EU sign historic trade agreement in Asunción after 26 years of negotiations
on January 17, 2026On January 17, 2026, the Mercosur bloc and the European Union (EU) will formalize a comprehensive association and free trade agreement in Asunción, Paraguay, marking the culmination of nearly 26 years of negotiations, according to international and regional news outlets.
- Delcy Rodríguez meets CIA director in Caracas
on January 17, 2026Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez met on Thursday in Caracas with CIA Director John Ratcliffe, holding talks focused on security and cooperation, US intelligence sources confirmed to EFE.
- Historic Endurance model unveiled in Stanley
on January 17, 2026A scale model of the Endurance, the legendary polar ship of Ernest Shackleton, was officially unveiled on Thursday at the Jetty Visitor Centre in Stanley, becoming a new long-term public exhibit, according to the Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust (FMHT).
- Venezuela announces Armed Forces “review and adjustment” after US attack
on January 16, 2026Venezuela’s Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López announced Friday a “review and adjustment” of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) following the January 3 US attacks, in which 47 Venezuelan soldiers were killed and President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were captured, EFE reported.
- Lula and von der Leyen say Mercosur-EU deal advances multilateralism
on January 16, 2026Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen agreed on Friday that the free trade agreement between Mercosur and the European Union (EU), due to be signed Saturday in Asunción, will benefit global trade, democracy and multilateralism, EFE reported.
- Wildfires continue in Argentine Patagonia; ten provinces on alert
on January 16, 2026Ten Argentine provinces are under alert for wildfire risk, as several fire fronts in Chubut and wider Patagonia have already burned more than 20,000 hectares.
- Brazil transfers military equipment to Uruguay and Paraguay to bolster regional security
on January 16, 2026Brazil has enacted two laws formalizing the transfer of military aircraft and equipment to Uruguay and Paraguay, as part of an initiative to upgrade operational capabilities of neighboring countries and enhance regional security, Agência Brasil reported.
- High Seas Treaty enters into force, ushering in a new era for ocean protection
on January 16, 2026The High Seas Treaty, also known as the Global Ocean Treaty, enters into force on Saturday, marking “a historic achievement in ocean protection” and the start of a new phase in global ocean governance, EFE reported.
- YPF lawsuit: Burford asks US court to hold Argentina in contempt
on January 16, 2026Burford Capital, the main beneficiary of a US$16 billion first-instance ruling against Argentina over the 2012 expropriation of YPF, has asked federal judge Loretta Preska to hold the country in contempt and impose sanctions, citing alleged failures to comply with discovery orders.
- Using AmourFeel: Common Questions Answered
on January 16, 2026Online dating is now part of daily life. AmourFeel is a website where people can talk and connect with others. The platform is made for those who want online conversations and to learn more about new people. This guide explains the main points about using the site.