Farmers have increased their actions throughout France in recent days. Among their demands: to say “stop European and global inconsistencies to restore ambition to European food sovereignty.” The free trade agreement between the Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia) and the European Union crystallizes their fears.
Mercosur means “Mercado comun del Sur”, it is the “common market” of South America. Like European countries, these 5 Latin American states have created a free trade zone without borders or customs duties.
Rejected in 2019
A free trade agreement between the Mercosur countries and the European Union was concluded on June 28, 2019. It was then rejected by France, and did not enter into force, due to lack of unanimity. But in January 2024, the European Commission announced that it was continuing negotiations. It is supported by several countries such as Germany and Spain, which hope to sign this agreement by the end of the year.
If there is a signature, it would put an end to negotiations which have actually lasted for more than 20 years, with the aim of eliminating the majority of customs duties between the 2 zones, within an area of more than 700 million consumers. “We need more free trade agreements. The world is changing”justified German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Unfair competition
However, French farmers denounce unfair competition with imports which do not respect the same European standards. “O“It puts us in a world of free trade and we have to have the same rules as the others, otherwise we are dead.” regretted Damien Radet, general secretary of the FDSEA (departmental federation of agricultural operators' unions) Ile-de-France, at the microphone of RMC. Because, in Mercosur, the environmental and social requirements have nothing to do with those of France. Reasons which motivated its refusal to ratify it in 2019.
Debate and vote in the Assembly
In Poland, farmers also mobilized. The country is an ally of France in its opposition. “Poland will not support this agreement, this is the resolution we want to adopt within the government,” announced Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, Minister of Defense and president of the Peasant Party, member of the ruling coalition.
On the French side, the government finally proposed a debate in Parliament followed by a vote on this controversial trade agreement. The Assembly will debate and vote tomorrow, Tuesday, on the treaty.
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