Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen has landed in Latin America to finalize a trade deal between the EU and the Mercosur bloc, made up of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Despite France’s fierce opposition to the agreement, Von der Leyen is pushing ahead with negotiations that have been ongoing for almost two decades.
Supporters of the deal emphasize the urgency of its conclusion in the face of increasing influence from other global powers, such as China, in Latin American markets. The agreement aims to create a free trade area between the Mercosur countries and the EU, potentially benefiting both regions through increased market access and investment opportunities.
MEPs Jörgen Warborn and Saskia Bricmont shared their viewpoints on the potential impacts of the deal. Warborn believes that the agreement will benefit European consumers by providing more choices and products while helping to combat inflation. He also sees opportunities for farmers and food producers, with safeguards in place for sensitive products and a gradual implementation process.
On the other hand, Bricmont raises concerns about the potential negative impacts on farmers due to the import of products that may not meet the same social and environmental standards as those in the EU. She also criticizes the lack of enforceable provisions for climate and biodiversity issues in the agreement, warning of adverse impacts on climate change, particularly due to deforestation.
As negotiations intensify in Montevideo, the future of the EU-Mercosur agreement remains uncertain, with contrasting opinions on its potential benefits and drawbacks. France’s opposition and concerns raised by MEPs highlight the complexity of reaching a comprehensive trade deal between the two regions.
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