Background and Relevance of the Situation
The French agricultural union, Confédération paysanne, the third largest in France, has called for a demonstration with tractors on October 14 in Paris to demand the halt of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement.
The European Commission presented this trade deal to the 27 EU countries and the European Parliament in early September for potential approval, promising “solid” safeguards for EU farmers.
French Farmers’ Concerns and Previous Protests
French farmers fear an influx of Latin American meat, rice, and sugar into the market. The first major farmers’ union, FNSEA, has already organized “decentralized” protests on Friday in response to this decision.
“It’s time for massive mobilization to stop all free trade agreements,” the Confédération paysanne urged in a statement, aligning their October protest with a trial for two of its members.
EU-Mercosur Agreement Details
The European Commission aims to have the agreement between the EU and Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay ratified by the end of 2025 during Brazil’s presidency of Mercosur.
France has long opposed this treaty, considering it a threat to its beef, poultry, sugar, and biofuel production while demanding additional protective measures.
To address French concerns, the European Commission has pledged to complement the agreement with a “legal text” that strengthens safeguard measures for “sensitive European products.”
Support for the EU-Mercosur Agreement in Europe
Despite French opposition, the EU-Mercosur agreement has many supporters in Europe, including Germany. These countries seek new markets for their businesses, especially since the return of Donald Trump to the White House and the imposition of tariffs.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the EU-Mercosur trade agreement? It’s a proposed free trade deal between the European Union and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur), which includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
- Why are French farmers protesting? They fear an influx of cheaper Latin American agricultural products, which they believe will negatively impact their businesses and livelihoods.
- What safeguards has the European Commission promised? The Commission has pledged to include a “legal text” in the agreement that will reinforce safeguard measures for sensitive European products.
- Why is France opposed to the agreement? France considers the treaty a threat to its beef, poultry, sugar, and biofuel production and has been advocating for additional protective measures.
- What are the benefits of the agreement for other European countries? Countries like Germany support the deal to open new markets for their businesses, especially following the imposition of tariffs by the United States under the Trump administration.
