Brussels Addresses EU-Mercosur Agreement Concerns but Asserts “Nothing Has Changed”

Brussels – European Commissioner for Agriculture, Janusz Wojciechowski, acknowledged the concerns surrounding the EU-Mercosur trade agreement during a press conference this Monday. He reiterated that the agreement reached in 2019 remains unresolved and indicated that “nothing has changed” in the past five years.

Wojciechowski made these remarks following his final meeting with EU Agriculture and Fisheries ministers, where he urged that farmers’ apprehensions should be taken seriously, particularly regarding competition.

“I recognize that there is significant concern among Member States due to crises and market instabilities,” the commissioner stated, referencing challenges stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and extreme weather events, such as recent flooding in central and southern Spain.

Despite the parties’ agreement in 2019, the pact has yet to be signed, primarily due to internal EU disagreements, with France being one of the most vocal critics.

French Economy Minister, Antoine Armand, confirmed last week that discussions with other delegations are underway to form a blocking minority against the trade deal, which has been under negotiation for over two decades. Brussels aims to finalize the agreement by the end of the year.

Polish Agriculture Minister, Czeslaw Siekierski, also expressed opposition to the current version of the agreement, citing the growing dissatisfaction and discontent among farmers in Poland.

In contrast, Spanish Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, Luis Planas, defended the trade agreement, emphasizing its significance in the current geopolitical landscape, especially following the U.S. election results. He criticized the “certain mythology” surrounding the pact, asserting that it does not reflect reality.

Planas contended that the EU must decide whether it wishes to “isolate itself or, in this geopolitical context and particularly in light of the recent American elections, expand its network of agreements with third countries to preserve its economic and commercial influence.” He underscored that Spain has been clear about its position from the outset. (November 18)