French farmers recently blocked a road with tractors in Velizy-Villacoublay, near Paris, to protest against the EU-Mercosur free trade deal. REUTERS
President Emmanuel Macron has reiterated to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that France still views the EU trade agreement with South America's Mercosur bloc as 'unacceptable', according to his office on Thursday. France vehemently opposes the EU's approval of the deal with Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, citing concerns that French farmers would face unfair competition that could jeopardize their livelihoods.
'The project of an agreement between the EU and Mercosur is unacceptable in its current state,' Macron conveyed to von der Leyen, as shared on X. 'We continue to tirelessly defend our agricultural sovereignty,' the Elysee added.
Earlier, von der Leyen had expressed optimism, stating that the 'finish line' for the deal was 'in sight' as she prepared for a summit in Montevideo. However, Macron, supported by the French parliament, contends that the Mercosur trade deal would negatively impact French farmers, who have staged nationwide demonstrations against the pact.
Farmers argue that they are constrained by restrictions on certain insecticides, herbicides, GMO seeds, and other products, while their South American counterparts are not. France's position is backed by Poland, but other major EU members, such as Germany and Spain, favor the agreement. EU trade pacts are negotiated by the European Commission, not individual member states. Nevertheless, France is attempting to form a blocking minority against the deal—an alliance that, under EU rules, would require at least four member states to succeed.
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