Senate Commission on Itaipú Treaty Renegotiation to Resume After World Cup Hiatus

The Special Commission on Binational Entities of the Paraguayan Senate is set to reconvene after months of inactivity, aiming to address the renegotiation of Annex C of the Itaipú Treaty. The announcement follows a call from Senator Líder Amarilla, who criticized the lack of public discussion surrounding a negotiation he deems a "national cause."

During a meeting of the Senate's board, Amarilla expressed concern over the commission's dormancy, warning that deadlines related to the temporary agreement between Paraguay and Brazil on Itaipú tariffs are approaching. "We have to get that commission working again to know and publicly discuss what Paraguay is going to negotiate, what is convenient and what is not convenient for the country. Itaipú is a national cause and people want to know," he stated.

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We have to get that commission working again to know and publicly discuss what Paraguay is going to negotiate, what is convenient and what is not convenient for the country. Itaipú is a national cause and people want to know.

Senator Natalicio Chase, president of the commission, admitted that the body had been inactive. He explained that the members had previously agreed to resume meetings only after the conclusion of the World Cup. "We had talked about that three meetings ago. We agreed that after the World Cup we would call a meeting again, meaning, starting this week," Chase confirmed.

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We had talked about that three meetings ago. We agreed that after the World Cup we would call a meeting again, meaning, starting this week.

This reactivation comes at a critical juncture as negotiations between Paraguay and Brazil regarding the future of Annex C gain renewed importance. The commission's work is essential for defining Paraguay's position in these crucial discussions.

Senate President Basilio “Bachi” Núñez also commented, recalling a failed attempt to establish a bicameral commission involving deputies and senators due to a lack of quorum. He clarified that the Senate commission, which will now be reactivated, was formed after that initiative collapsed. The Special Commission on Binational Entities was created in April 2025 after the National Commission for the Review of Annex C of the Itaipú Treaty failed to be established due to a widespread absence of deputies.

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The Senate wanted to set up the Bicameral with the Deputies and there was no quorum. So the commission purely of the Senate remained functioning and that is what will be reactivated.