EC trade spokespersons confirmed these new meetings in the daily press round of the European Commission (EC) during which they expressed that, despite progress 'there is enough work to be done to reach a positive result'.

Community sources said the meeting in the Paraguayan capital they will try to obtain commitments on the issues where there are still discrepancies. They also pursue a beneficial pact for both blocs, recognizing mutual sensitivities.

The main issues on the table include access to market for industrial and agricultural products, such as cars, spare parts and dairy products, for the EU.

For its part, Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, plus Venezuela), looks that the EU opens its market to exports of veal beef, among other products.

On the other hand, Vicepresident of the EC for Employment, Jyrki Katainen, admitted on January 31 that negotiations are in difficult positions, although he was confident there is political will on both sides that allow to reach an agreement.

The EU and Mercosur negotiate since 1999 a wide association agreement that includes this trade treaty, but talks were completely blocked from 2004 to 2010, and were only resumed in 2016.

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