EU-South America Trade Deal

As Europe struggles politically and economically at home, it continues to reach out to nations around the globe to build stronger trade relationships. Some of these relationships may take years to pay off, but they have great potential. Just such a deal has now been struck between the EU and South American nations of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and—most recently—Bolivia (AP, December 6, 2024). “Provided it is ratified, the accord would create one of the world’s largest free trade zones, covering a market of 780 million people that represents nearly a quarter of global gross domestic product.”

While some industries in Europe are worried that South American products will undercut their own, European industry as a whole stands to gain if the trade deal is ratified. Although the European economic engine has stalled, opening up the market to nearly a half-billion people in South America could be the fuel Europe’s economies need to restart.

Bible prophecies predict that, as we near the end of the age, a German-led “beast” power will become a powerful economic and trading force that will make nations rich for a short period of time (Revelation 18:3–4). Yet the downfall of this global trading block will be felt round the world (vv. 15–18). As we watch world events, the stage for the future fulfillment of Bible prophecies is being set. To learn more about this coming global superpower and its demise, read or listen to The Beast of Revelation: Myth, Metaphor, or Soon-Coming Reality?