French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated his country’s firm opposition to the European Union’s proposed trade agreement with South America’s Mercosur bloc, which includes Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
In a conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on December 5, Macron underscored that France still considers the deal “unacceptable” in its current form, particularly due to concerns over the potential impact on French farmers.
The Mercosur deal, which aims to create a free trade area between the EU and the South American bloc, has been a subject of intense debate within the European Union.
While countries like Germany and Spain support the agreement, arguing it would open up vital markets for European businesses, France has led the charge in opposing it.
Macron’s remarks reflect a long-standing concern in France, where farmers fear being undercut by cheaper imports from the Mercosur nations, which do not face the same stringent agricultural regulations as those in the EU.
“France continues to defend its agricultural sovereignty,” Macron stated during his conversation with von der Leyen. His office emphasized that the French president’s stance was strongly supported by the country’s Parliament.
French farmers, who have organized nationwide protests, argue that they would face unfair competition from Mercosur nations, which use different agricultural products, including certain herbicides, insecticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), that are banned or restricted in the EU.
Macron’s position also aligns with Poland, which shares similar concerns about the impact of the deal on its own agricultural sector.
Despite this, other EU member states, including Germany and Spain, have voiced their support for the deal, citing the potential benefits for trade and economic growth.
The disagreement within the EU highlights the tension between the need for broader economic cooperation and the protection of domestic industries, particularly in sectors sensitive to international competition.
The French president’s insistence on blocking the deal underscores his commitment to safeguarding France’s agricultural sector, a key component of the country’s economy and cultural heritage.
France is seeking to form a blocking minority in the EU, which, under EU rules, requires at least four member states to oppose the deal in order to prevent its ratification.
While the European Commission negotiates trade pacts on behalf of the entire EU, individual member states still have a significant role in the final approval process, especially in cases where there are substantial national interests at stake.
The EU and Mercosur countries have been working on the trade agreement for over 20 years, but it has faced repeated delays due to political and economic obstacles.
The deal, which would cover a range of goods and services, is seen as a key part of the EU’s broader efforts to expand its trade relationships with emerging markets.
Despite the ongoing resistance from France and other agricultural stakeholders, European Commission President von der Leyen has expressed optimism that the deal is close to being finalized.
Speaking ahead of a summit in Montevideo, she said the “finish line” for the agreement was “in sight.” However, Macron’s remarks suggest that significant hurdles remain before the deal can be approved by all EU member states.
As the debate continues, the future of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement hangs in the balance, with France playing a pivotal role in shaping its outcome.
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