Photo by Sébastien Goldberg on Unsplash
The European Commission has announced that it has pushed forward the proposed EU-Mercosur agreement to the Council.
The Mercosur deal has, it is said by some MEPs, been split into a political section and a trade section that will have to be adopted by a qualified majority of Member States.
Reaction to the news on Wednesday has been predictably swift
A Greens/EFA Member of the Committee on International Trade responsible for the EU-Mercosur file is highly critical.
Saskia Bricmont told this site, “The Mercosur deal is harmful to people and the planet and to Europe’s strategic autonomy. It does not match with the type of trade model we need to pursue to promote and sustainable development with the Mercosur countries and beyond.”
“This deal will neither curb Trump’s reckless trade war nor China’s aggressive trade practices, and do nothing to increase European influence in the region. This is a deal that will only benefit a minority of players, mostly from the giant agribusiness, automotive and chemical industries.”
The MEP added, “Despite a long list of commitments, the provisions on sustainability are little more than empty promises that will likely never be met. The agro-industrial model has been strengthened at the expense of sustainable agriculture and the rights of indigenous peoples in the Mercosur countries. The increase in agricultural exports from the Mercosur bloc will accelerate deforestation, while creating unfair competition for European farmers and increasing the use of toxic pesticides for Mercosur farmers and European consumers.”
“This treaty is incompatible with European climate targets and international environmental commitments. Our group will seek a ruling on this point from the Court of Justice of the EU.”
Further comment came from BusinessEurope President Fredrik Persson who said: “In an era marked by profound geopolitical uncertainty, Europe must reaffirm its commitment to open, rules-based trade. This agreement is more than just a trade deal, it is a strategic investment in securing Europe’s future and a powerful tool for growth.It will eliminate billions in tariffs by cutting duties on over 91% of EU goods exported to Mercosur countries. Moreover, the agreement will open new opportunities by creating a high-potential market of over 750 million consumers, improving access to crucial raw materials, and promoting fair and rules-based trade. Crucially, it also provides dedicated support for SMEs through improved market access and simplified compliance processes.”
“We are at a crossroads, and Europe cannot afford to be hesitant. As our global competitors move swiftly to secure influence and market share, the EU must not squander this first-mover advantage. Bringing this agreement home would be a significant step towards a more autonomous, prosperous, and resilient European economy. As the European Council evaluates the finalised text, we urge all Member States to seize this golden opportunity.”
