Lula Urges South American Nations to Bolster Cooperation Against Transnational Organized Crime at Mercosur Summit

President Lula's Call for Unified Action

During the Mercosur Summit held on December 20, 2025, in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva issued a strong appeal for South American nations to prioritize and enhance cooperation in the fight against transnational organized crime. President Lula underscored that combating criminal networks should be a primary focus for Mercosur member states—Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay—irrespective of their political ideologies. He asserted that the weakening of democratic institutions often creates an environment conducive to illegal activities.

Lula highlighted that 'public safety is the right of citizens and the duty of the state, regardless of ideology.' He stressed that no single country can overcome the challenge of transnational crime alone, framing it as a global issue demanding collective action. To this end, he proposed a meeting of justice and public security ministers to discuss strengthening South American cooperation, noting the current absence of a dedicated regional body for this problem.

Existing Initiatives and Future Proposals

President Lula acknowledged Mercosur's ongoing efforts in this domain, citing several established initiatives:

• A body of authorities specializing in anti-drug policies, in existence for over a decade.
• A recently signed agreement against human trafficking.
• A commission tasked with implementing a common strategy against transnational organized crime.
• A specialized working group focused on asset recovery to disrupt illicit financing.

Beyond these, Lula advocated for the regulation of digital environments as a crucial step in combating crime and announced plans for an international meeting with security ministers to address this issue. He also called for the creation of a significant Mercosur pact aimed at eradicating femicide and violence against women.

The Escalating Threat of Transnational Organized Crime

Transnational organized crime poses an increasingly severe threat across Latin America, challenging democratic governance and public safety. Criminal networks have expanded their operations beyond traditional strongholds like Mexico and Colombia, infiltrating countries such as Ecuador, Peru, and Chile. These groups engage in a wide array of illicit activities, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, illegal logging, deforestation, land grabbing, wildlife trafficking, and illegal mining.

The economic impact is substantial, with organized crime estimated to cost Latin American countries approximately 3% of their overall GDP. Underlying factors contributing to this crisis include weak state capacity, widespread corruption, extreme inequality, and economic volatility. Furthermore, criminal organizations are becoming increasingly sophisticated, utilizing advanced technologies like drones and artificial intelligence, and blurring the lines between legal and illicit markets. Effective border control remains a significant challenge due to vast territorial extensions and numerous points for illicit trade.

Mercosur's Commitment to Regional Security

The discussions at the Mercosur Summit underscored the bloc's commitment to addressing these complex security challenges through a coordinated regional approach. The call for enhanced cooperation reflects the understanding that interregional and international collaboration is essential to counter the evolving nature of organized crime. By strengthening democratic institutions and fostering collective security strategies, Mercosur aims to create a more secure and stable environment for its citizens and the broader South American region.