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France Seeks EU Trade Vote Delay Over Farmer Fears
15 Dec
Summary
- France is requesting a delay in the EU vote on a trade deal with South American economies.
- Concerns about insufficient protection for European farmers and consumers are cited.
- The deal aims to create a large market and diversify trade away from the US and China.
France has officially requested a delay in the upcoming European Union vote concerning a free-trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc, which includes Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu indicated on Sunday that the proposed safeguards for European farmers and consumers are currently insufficient, despite pledges from the European Commission. These protections need to be operative, robust, and effective before any agreement can be finalized.
The stalled accord aims to establish an integrated market benefiting 780 million consumers, bolstering the EU's manufacturing sector and Mercosur's agricultural industry. The agreement is also seen as a strategic move to diversify trade relationships, reducing reliance on the United States and strengthening ties in a region where China has become a significant player. However, French and Polish opposition has persisted due to fears of market disadvantage for European agriculture.
This postponement raises concerns about the future of the 25-year-long negotiation process. Failure to sign the agreement by the end of the year could jeopardize the current work on the deal. France is advocating for a delay until at least early next year to ensure adequate measures are in place to protect its agricultural sector from potential disadvantages.
