Brussels – Hungary and Poland remain opposed to the trade agreement with Mercosur, while Slovakia is in support. Agriculture Minister Richard Takáč (Smer-SD) made this statement on Wednesday evening in Brussels following discussions among EU agriculture ministers and three European Commissioners, which centered on the future of European agriculture, food security, and the Mercosur trade agreement, as reported by TASR.
When asked about Slovakia’s stance after the extraordinary meeting at the European Commission’s headquarters, Richard Takáč emphasized that the decision rests with the prime minister or the government as a whole.
“The Slovak Republic is in favor of the Mercosur agreement. It cannot be seen in isolation. I see two sides to this. As a government member, I believe the agreement benefits Slovakia. There are several advantages for us. Conversely, as the agriculture minister, I recognize several risks and open questions we are addressing, particularly regarding the trade agreement with Ukraine and quota considerations,” Takáč explained.
He noted that during the Brussels meeting, he stressed the need for protective measures within the Mercosur agreement for the agricultural sector, ensuring monthly checks and verification of imported product quality to safeguard the EU’s agriculture industry.
Takáč remarked that even larger EU member states face similar challenges. Nonetheless, he expressed optimism that “an agreement is being reached” and anticipates approval at the EU ambassadors’ COREPER meeting on Friday (9 January). While Hungary and Poland, along with France, have concerns, larger countries like Germany, Spain, and Italy support the agreement.
The European Commission aims for the EU to finalize the trade agreement with Mercosur by the start of next week, on 12 January. (7 January)
“It is essential that there are protective mechanisms within the agreement with the Mercosur countries for the agriculture sector.” Richard Takáč
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