The green light has finally arrived for the free trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay). A result achieved after 25 years of intermittent negotiations.
An agreement that divides Europe
However, the treaty continues to divide Europe, with French President Emmanuel Macron, who yesterday announced France’s vote against to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, declaring that even if the agreement were passed “the story is not over”.
The position of France and internal political tensions
This morning French Prime Minister Lecornu returned to the topic, responding to the controversy raised at home by the Rassemblement national which announced two motions of censure, launching an appeal to build an opposition within the European parliamentary groups to stop the agreement.
Expected signature and next institutional steps
Meanwhile, as scheduled, the signing of the agreement should take place on January 12, when von der Leyen will fly to Paraguay.
According to the procedure, a passage to the European Parliament is still necessary which could arrive in the next plenary session in Strasbourg where the tractor demonstration called by the French union Fnsea is expected on 20 January.
The concerns of the countries against
France, like the other countries that oppose it – Poland, Hungary, Austria – fears a dumping effect to the detriment of European producers and poor guarantees on food safety for consumers.
Italy’s position and the crux of the escape clause
Italy, which was part of the “no” camp at the last European Council in December, had asked for greater reflection on some points of the agreement. At the time of the vote it joined the favorable front with Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and the Scandinavian countries. From EU sources, we learn that the last Italian goal, i.e. the lowering of the so-called “handbrake” initially at 8%, to 5%, would also have been exceeded.
How the safeguard mechanism works
What does the mechanism consist of? This is a safeguard clause which provides for a threshold of 8% increase in imports from Mercosur countries for some sensitive agricultural products, beyond which there is a suspension of the agreement.
Farmers’ protests in Europe
Meanwhile, in France as in Belgium the tractors have returned to protest. Road blocks, demonstrations in front of ministries and slow marches are paralyzing access to the French capital, while in Belgium farmers are concentrated around Brussels, in the political heart of the Union.
A large demonstration is also expected in Strasbourg where the last formal passage of the agreement should take place with the vote of the Plenary. Regardless of today’s result, it will be protest.