French President Macron opposes the EU-Mercosur trade deal, citing insufficient protections for French farmers, despite EU pressure to sign this year.
PARIS: President Emmanuel Macron has reiterated to EU leaders that a proposed trade deal with Mercosur countries does not work for French agriculture.
Officials at the French presidency said Macron made his position clear to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa late Monday.
“The president made it very clear that the deal doesn’t add up in terms of protection for French farmers,” an Elysee official stated.
The EU leadership, backed by Germany, insists the deal with the South American bloc must be signed by the end of the year.
European Commission chief von der Leyen plans to travel to Brazil on Saturday to sign the agreement.
The pact, negotiated for 20 years, would create the world’s biggest free-trade area.
However, she first needs approval from the EU’s member states.
Heavyweight France has requested a delay until 2026, arguing its conditions are not yet met.
The deal would allow the EU to export more vehicles, machinery, wines and spirits to Latin America.
It would also facilitate the entry of South American beef, sugar, rice, honey and soybeans into Europe.
Fearing fallout for its agricultural sector, France has demanded robust safeguard clauses.
It is also calling for tighter import controls and more stringent standards for Mercosur producers. – AFP
