Paris – Following the announcement of a trade agreement between the European Commission and Mercosur countries, France’s outgoing delegate minister for Foreign Trade, Sophie Primas, commented on Friday that the agreement “only binds them.”
Primas clarified that the developments in Montevideo do not signify the formal signing of the agreement but rather represent the political conclusion of the negotiations. “This commitment applies solely to the Commission, not to the member states,” she stated in a message sent to AFP, emphasizing that although the Commission is fulfilling its role as a negotiator, it does not obligate the member states.
The major agricultural union alliance in France criticized the agreement, claiming it “betrays European farmers.”
In contrast, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed support for the conclusion of the negotiations, stating, “The political agreement between the Mercosur countries and the EU is established. An important hurdle has been cleared.” He highlighted on X that “more than 700 million people will benefit from a free market, leading to increased growth and competitiveness.” (December 6, 2024)
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