2024-11-18 17:19:00
Germany, Italy, Poland… in the major producing countries of Europe, agricultural organizations are also denouncing the proposed free trade agreement between the EU and the Latin American countries of Mercosur. But the response of their governments is more nuanced, with France remaining the most vehement in its opposition.
Germany
Germany, reluctant to agree to the agreement under Angela Merkel due to deforestation in the Amazon, changed sides with Olaf Scholz, wishing to expand its industrial outlets. Today, the collapse of the government coalition leaves farmers waiting. For the German Farmers’ Association (DBV), the main union, “it is urgent to renegotiate” this agreement.
No official demonstration is planned, which should not prevent convergences on the Franco-German border, as on the Franco-Spanish border.
Also read
From Italy to Poland, European farmers opposed to an EU-Mercosur agreement
Spain
In Spain, all the major agricultural unions have expressed their fears, particularly for livestock farming. This agreement is “outdated and incoherent”for the Asaja organization. No mobilization has been announced, but the concern aroused by the project had weighed on the angry movement of farmers at the start of the year. However, the government of socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has spoken out in favor.
Italy
The large organization Coldiretti wrote to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to express the “deep concern” with regard to an agreement which “would have devastating effects on the agri-food sector”. “We believe that close collaboration with other EU member states, such as France, who share our concerns, can prevent the agreement from being adopted in its current form”calls the letter.
The Netherlands
Poland
The Ministry of Agriculture expressed its “serious reservations” with regard to a project which “will perhaps have some benefits for industry, maritime transport and certain services, at the expense of most segments of agro-food production”. One of the main agricultural organizations, NSZZ RI Solidarnosc, called on the head of government Donald Tusk to go further and “to block” the project.
Austria
The parliamentarians of the National Council adopted a resolution against, recalls the Ministry of Agriculture: “Restricting agricultural production in Europe via ever more stringent standards while pushing for old-school trade agreements is not compatible. Austria is an export-oriented country, we want the game to be fair”. Such imports without customs duties “endanger our agriculture”summarizes the first agricultural association (Bauernbund).
Ireland
While in Ireland the legislative elections at the end of November are focusing attention, the representatives of the breeders (ICSA) protested in front of the lower house of Parliament.
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What are the specific environmental concerns related to the EU-Mercosur agreement as highlighted by agricultural organizations?
**Interview with Dr. Elena Meyer, Agricultural Policy Analyst**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Meyer. There’s growing discontent among agricultural organizations across several European nations regarding the proposed EU-Mercosur free trade agreement. What are the primary concerns voiced by these groups?
**Dr. Meyer:** Thank you for having me. The primary concerns revolve around the potential impact on local agricultural industries, particularly livestock and crop farming. Organizations from Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain worry that the agreement could flood their markets with cheaper imports from Mercosur countries, which may not adhere to the same environmental and health standards. This would put significant pressure on European farmers, many of whom are already struggling.
**Interviewer:** Germany’s perspective seems particularly interesting. Under Angela Merkel, there was resistance due to environmental concerns, especially regarding deforestation in the Amazon. How has this stance shifted under Olaf Scholz?
**Dr. Meyer:** Yes, under Scholz, Germany’s position has indeed shifted towards favoring industrial expansion. However, the collapse of the coalition government has left many farmers uncertain and calling for urgent renegotiations of the agreement. They want assurances that their interests will be protected amidst these economic considerations.
**Interviewer:** Spain has also expressed concerns despite the government supporting the agreement. How is the situation playing out there?
**Dr. Meyer:** Exactly, this reflects the broader tension between political decisions and grassroots agricultural sentiments. Unions like Asaja have criticized the agreement as outdated and incoherent, especially for livestock farming. While the government is backing the deal, it’s clear that the agricultural community feels their voices aren’t being adequately heard, which has historically led to unrest and demonstrations.
**Interviewer:** Italy’s Coldiretti organization seems to be actively seeking collaboration with other concerned EU states. Is this a strategy that could effectively alter the terms of the agreement?
**Dr. Meyer:** Collaboration among member states is indeed pivotal. By uniting their voices, countries like Italy and France can potentially exert more pressure on the EU to reconsider the existing terms of the agreement. It’s a necessary strategy, especially as European farmers collectively face similar threats from global trade policies.
**Interviewer:** With France being one of the most oppositional voices in this context, how do you think this will affect intra-EU dynamics moving forward?
**Dr. Meyer:** France’s strong opposition could amplify other countries’ hesitance to agree to the current terms. It might lead to a more fragmented negotiation landscape within the EU, where national interests are prioritized over collective goals. Ultimately, if there’s no consensus, the agreement could face significant delays or might require substantial modifications, which could be beneficial for those advocating for stronger protections.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Meyer, for your insights on this complex issue. It seems the debate over the EU-Mercosur agreement is far from settled.
**Dr. Meyer:** Indeed, it’s a topic that will require ongoing attention and dialogue among various stakeholders. Thank you for having me.