MADRID/BRASILIA, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Argentina and Brazil are requesting 12.5 billion euros ($13.2 billion) in financial aid from the European Union in talks to conclude a trade agreement with South America's Mercosur bloc, according to a document seen by Reuters.
Three EU and South American diplomats confirmed the Argentine request, which is backed by Brazil, in the rotating presidency of the four-nation Mercosur.
A European diplomat involved in the talks told Reuters the 12.5 billion euros number was "floated" but that any support "would not be anything like that figure."
The new aid request was made in a Mercosur counterproposal to an EU addendum proposing environmental safeguards.
But the financial aid request and reopening of the public procurement chapter could prevent a final deal this year.
Persons:
videoconferences, Xiana Mendez, Belen Carreño, Anthony Boadle, Brad Haynes, Jonathan Oatis
Organizations:
European Union, South America's Mercosur, Reuters, EU, South, Argentine, Mercosur, Thomson
Locations:
MADRID, BRASILIA, Argentina, Brazil, Mercosur, Uruguay, Paraguay, European, Brussels, Brasilia, Valencia