Sep 20, 2024, 2:49 PM
Sep 20, 2024, 2:49 PM

EU faces farmers’ backlash over Mercosur trade deal and deforestation rules

Provocative
Highlights
  • Maroš Šefčovič has been appointed as the EU Commissioner for trade, focusing on finalizing trade agreements with Latin American countries.
  • The European Parliament rejected a proposal to lower pesticide residue limits on imported food, reinforcing the principle of reciprocity in production standards.
  • Brazil is pushing the EU to delay anti-deforestation regulations to finalize the Mercosur trade deal, highlighting tensions between trade interests and environmental concerns.
Story

Maroš Šefčovič has been appointed as the EU Commissioner for trade, economic security, interinstitutional relations, and transparency, a role that may shift focus away from international business. This change comes amid growing tensions between the EU and its agricultural sector, particularly regarding trade agreements with Latin American countries like Brazil. The European Parliament recently rejected a proposal to lower pesticide residue limits on imported food, emphasizing the need for reciprocity in production standards. This decision reflects the concerns of EU farmers about competition from imports that do not meet the same health and safety standards. As negotiations continue for the Mercosur trade deal, Brazil is urging the EU to postpone the enforcement of new anti-deforestation regulations that could impact their agricultural exports. The proposed regulations target imports such as coffee, cocoa, livestock, and soy, and apply to both non-EU countries and European producers. The EU's agricultural groups, particularly from France, are expected to oppose the trade deal, while Spain and Germany support it, highlighting a divide within the bloc. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is under pressure to find a solution that balances the interests of EU farmers and trade partners. She is considering a proposal to delay the enforcement of the anti-deforestation rules, which could lead to the finalization of the Mercosur agreement, a deal that has been in the works for nearly 25 years. This potential resolution could mark a significant achievement for the Commission. The appointment of Luxembourg’s Christophe Hansen as the new EU farming chief and Hungary’s Várhelyi for food safety indicates a shift in focus towards agricultural policy. The ongoing discussions and decisions surrounding trade agreements and environmental regulations will have lasting implications for the EU's agricultural sector and its relationship with global trade partners.

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