Mercosur Agreement Faces Rejection in France
The proposed free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur countries has been met with overwhelming opposition in the French National Assembly. On November 26, 2024, the assembly voted 484 against to 70 in favor of the agreement, signaling a unified stance against the treaty that has been under negotiation for 25 years. Prime Minister Michel Barnier emphasized the discontent among farmers, stating, "France is firmly opposed to it," during the parliamentary debate.
Despite the rejection, the European Commission is pushing for a swift signing of the agreement, with support from Germany and Spain. The treaty aims to eliminate most customs duties, facilitating trade between the EU and Mercosur nations, which include Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. However, French parliamentarians argue that the agreement would jeopardize local agricultural sectors, particularly in the face of competition from Brazil's industrial farms, which operate under different social and environmental standards.
Farmers Mobilize Against the Agreement
The rejection of the Mercosur agreement comes amid widespread protests from French farmers, who have expressed their concerns through demonstrations and blockades. Farmers mobilized nationwide, with tractors and harvesters taking to the streets, particularly in Strasbourg, where they aimed to raise awareness among European Parliament members. The protests highlight the farmers' fears of "unfair competition" and the potential destruction of the French agricultural model.
The National Federation of Farmers' Unions (FNSEA) and the Young Farmers (JA) have organized actions across various departments, emphasizing the need for a fair trade environment that respects European agricultural standards. Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard has promised that farmers will see concrete actions soon, as France seeks to build a blocking minority against the agreement within the EU.
Diverging Views on the Agreement's Impact
Former WTO chief Pascal Lamy has defended the Mercosur agreement, stating it could be beneficial for certain sectors of French agriculture, such as spirits and cheese, while acknowledging the challenges faced by the beef sector. He cautioned against allowing China to dominate Latin American markets and expressed skepticism about Poland's opposition, suggesting it is more related to Ukraine than Mercosur.
The French government's position remains isolated within the EU, with several countries expressing reservations or outright support for the agreement. As the Mercosur summit approaches, scheduled for December 5-7 in Montevideo, Uruguay, the future of the agreement remains uncertain amid the backdrop of farmer protests and political dissent.
