France is mobilizing “all means” to block the free trade treaty, assures the Minister of the Economy

France uses “all means” to block the adoption of the treaty between the EU and Mercosur countries, said Economy Minister Antoine Armand on Thursday, November 14, at a time when this project was rejected en masse by farmers. “We are using all means, including institutional and voting means at the European level, to ensure that Mercosur as it stands does not pass”he detailed during an interview with Sud Radio.

The European Union seems determined to sign a free trade agreement with Latin American Mercosur countries by the end of the year, to the great dismay of France, which refuses it, as it stands, and mobilizes. To block the decision, however, France must bring together a blocking minority within the Council, which brings together EU member states. However, nothing is less certain. Germany and Spain are pushing with all their weight. And if Poland or Austria have regularly expressed their opposition, it is still insufficient, because a minimum of four states are needed to constitute a blocking minority.

However, some in Brussels want to believe it, judging that countries like Italy, Ireland or the Netherlands can tip the scales. But these countries are reserving their position for the moment, according to diplomatic sources in Brussels. “We are organizing with European countries to make people understand the danger that this agreement would represent”added Antoine Armand, insisting that “France is totally determined (…) that Mercosur is not signed as is”, before adding “it is unacceptable and unbearable for our farmers”.