Warsaw (Eurotoday) – Poland also objects to the EU-Mercosur free trade deal with South American countries in its current form, joining France in standing against an arrangement European farmers say will expose them to unjust competition.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has stated that Poland will not accept the free trade agreement between the European Union and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) in its current format. The Polish government is meeting to examine a draft resolution drafted by the Ministry of Development and Technology on the negotiations for a free trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur bloc, which includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia and Uruguay.
What are Poland’s main objections to the Mercosur agreement?
PM Tusk expressed: “The Council of Ministers voices its opposition to the current results of negotiations with Mercosur in the area of agriculture, in particular to the expansion in tariff quotas for poultry meat at the last stage of the exchange of tariff offers.” He further said that it was a political announcement that Poland would not accept the EU-Mercosur deal in its current form. “We are not alone; many member states have a similar opinion,” Tusk said.
French President Emmanuel Macron already reiterated his objection to a contract with Mercosur as proposed during a visit to Argentina this month. France, the EU’s largest agriculture producer, has been trying to persuade other EU members to form a minority coalition against the deal. Moreover, Farmers say the deal with the Mercosur bloc which includes Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay will initiate unfair competition for EU farmers and food makers as it will permit large imports of products that are not bound by the same strict principles they face in the EU.
What is Brazil’s stance on the Mercosur trade negotiations?
On the other hand, Brazil has been trying to have the EU-Mercosur deal signed by the end of the month while it carries the presidency of the G20. Advocates of the deal, including the EU’s biggest economy Germany, state it will open up more markets for their exports.
What is the deal about?
It seeks to create one of the largest free trade zones in the world, surrounding 700 million people and almost 25% of global GDP. Much like the U.S.-Mexico-Canada free trade arrangement, its goal is to decrease tariffs and trade barriers, making it more comfortable for businesses on both sides to export goods. For the EU, the deal would signify lower tariffs on products like cars, machinery and chemicals. Mercosur nations would profit from better access to EU markets for agricultural exports such as beef, poultry and sugar. Negotiations started in 1999 and an initial understanding was reached in 2019, but it remains unsettled due to significant resistance, particularly from France and EU farmers.
Comments
One response to “Poland Aligns with France to Oppose EU-Mercosur Agreement”
-
Just what we needed—a trade deal that promises to make our farmers cry into their borscht while South American beef floods our markets 🌍🥩. Bravo, Tusk and Macron! Nothing like a good old-fashioned food fight to spice up diplomacy, eh? 😏
Last News
Women’s World Cup Qualifiers Test Europe’s Football Depth
Europe’s women’s national teams are approaching a crucial June period, with direct qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, play-off spots, and promotion or relegation all on the line. The fixtures not only test sporting skills but also reflect the progress and remaining challenges in advancing women’s football in Europe to make it more widespread, visible, and sustainable.
A Dec
Macron Invites Coalition of the Willing Nations to Attend Bastille Day
Ukraine, the Western Balkans, and the EU Enlargement Agenda: Interview with MEP David McAllister
McAllister, a member of the European People’s Party (EPP) and chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs
EU Issues New Warning on Russian Sanctions
The European Union has warned it will “further raise the cost for Moscow” of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The get-tough message comes in the wake of what the EU has called a “grave incident” of 29 May in which a Russian drone carrying explosives, that was part of an overnight attack against Ukraine, crashed into a residential building in Galați, Romania.
The incident in Galați injured two people
EU Parenthood Debate Puts Children’s Cross-Border Rights Back on the Table
A Walk with Karin Prien
Prien erläutert, wie die beliebte Familienleistung angesichts der Sparvorgaben umgestaltet werden soll und die Auswirkungen auf Väter sowie das Modell
Stepping Out to Rejoin the European Union
Three Britons are walking an estimated 350km from London to Brussels as part of ongoing efforts for the UK to rejoin the European Union.
They are carrying a public petition, which has signed by thousands of British citizens, calling for the UK to get back in the 27-strong bloc.
This comes just ahead of a major pro-Remain march in London later this month where tens of thousands of people are expe
Europe at a Crossroads: Today’s Politics, Prices, and Rights Roundup
EU Ministers Discuss Borders, Migration, and Security
Home affairs
Andy Burnham on Question Time: 5 Key Points from the UK Leadership Hopeful’s TV Appearance
Burnham dismissed allegations of unequal policing in Greater Manchester, commending Chief Constable Stephen Watson. He emphasized Watson’s commitment to “never take the knee
EU Advances Toward Cruelty-Free Chemical Safety Testing
The European Commission has released a much-anticipated roadmap towards phasing out animal testing for chemical safety assessments.
There is a “firm commitment to phasing-out animal testing at the earliest opportunity”.
Campaigners go on to say the EU has acknowledged that, “up until now, overall progress to replace animal testing has been too slow”.
Cruelty Free Europe adds, “Importantly, the R
Leave a Reply