France “I won’t sign it.” Mercosur’s trade deals with Latin American countries will “stigmatize” farmers, Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard declared yesterday. “We want to support farmers,” he said.
“That’s why France won’t sign.” an agreement that finally condemns them” the minister told a local newspaper. JDD. Despite these statements, the French president Emmanuel Macronhe affirmed this week. positive outlook Towards the signing of a trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur (including Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay).
To sign the agreement, the Minister requires: Agricultural safeguard provisionsmeasures to prevent import into Europe Agricultural products that do not meet health standards Environmental policy and its reinforcement health check.
The agreement was signed at the end of 2024 and adopted by the European Commission on 3 September 2025. But still, Requires approval from 27 EU member states As in the case of France, countries are very reluctant to enter into force before it takes effect.
Among the main points it seeks: lower tariffsexpand, market access and promote trade for both blocks. Thus, it includes sectors such as agriculture, machinery, automobiles, and small and medium-sized enterprises. The agreement also includes commitments in e-commerce, public procurement and maritime transport. sustainable development component.
A few weeks ago, the measure was already raising questions among workers in European countries. In early October, hundreds of French farmers gathered at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, a world-class tourist attraction, in the city of Paris to protest against a draft trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur countries, despite assurances provided by the European Commission.
French farmers and ranchers repeatedly explained the reason for their fear. Its markets are filled with meat, sugar and rice from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Within the framework of the new agreement, commercial and economic losses are expected to occur.
The French Federation of Peasants, the sector’s third-largest trade union, has called for protests and called on President Emmanuel Macron to protect its farmers, but Brussels has already started the ratification process. “EU-Mercosur is not fertilizer, but it stinks just the same” the crowd chanted “great solidarity picnic” during a festive demonstration that ended near the tower.
According to information from AFP
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