Emmanuel Macron affirmed Monday at the G20 in Rio de Janeiro that France was not “not isolated” in his opposition “as is” to the trade agreement between the European Union and the Latin American countries of Mercosur, considering that several countries “join”.
“This text […] because it has been undertaken for several decades, is based on prerequisites which are obsolete”, said the French president in front of journalists. He put forward the idea of “rethink the relationship with this sub-region, either Mercosur, or perhaps Brazil, because I understand that Argentina perhaps does not want to do it in a regional framework”.
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He explained that he ” propose “ to Brazilian President Lula to initiate “new work to try to develop a joint investment framework, but one that protects” French and European agriculture. “In this regard, we really want not to import agricultural products that do not respect the rules that we have imposed on ourselves” in environmental and health matters, he argued.
Bringing together a blocking minority within the EU
French farmers have launched a new mobilization, in particular against the free trade agreement that the European Commission wishes to conclude with Mercosur, the regional bloc which notably includes Argentina and Brazil.
To be sure of being able to oppose it in the event of signature, France must bring together a blocking minority within the EU. Italian Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida spoke out against the draft agreement in its current form on Monday.
“Contrary to what many think, France is not isolated and many are joining us,” welcomed Emmanuel Macron. “For several months, several years we have been working. So we bring together, we bring together”, he said, assuring “working with all those who have the same concerns”, “Poles, Austrians, Italians and many others in Europe”.
“I have always protected our farmers. They know that when I make promises, I keep them,” he insisted.
