In graphics – Switzerland first beneficiary of an EFTA agreement with Mercosur

Published on November 25, 2024 at 11:58. / Modified on November 25, 2024 at 12:02.

A free trade agreement (FTA) between the European Union (EU) and the member countries of the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) could be concluded in early December. Faced with the risks posed by lifting customs barriers on its agriculture, France is one of the only countries to oppose it, and is trying to convince other hesitant EU members to block the text. Considered the fourth of the main economic blocs globally, Mercosur brings together Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and, since July, Bolivia – Venezuela, which joined the organization in 2012, has been suspended since 2016. The common market accounts for just over 82% of South America’s total GDP.

The debate which is agitating the European Union reminds us that Switzerland is also participating in negotiations for the signing of an agreement with these Latin American countries through the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Discussions between the bloc, which brings together Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Lichtenstein, and Mercosur have been underway since 2017.

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