Farmers oppose the prospect of the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement!
European farmers took to the streets of Brussels on Wednesday to demonstrate against a free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur, mobilized by the European Farmers' Federation European Coordination of Via Campesina (ECVC) and the farmers' union FUGEA.
Negotiated since 1999 and due to be signed in 2019, this agreement between the EU and five Latin American countries, Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and most recently Bolivia which has never been implemented, could see the light of day green next week. at the G20 summit being held on November 18 and 19 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Demonstrators believe that its adoption would create unfair competition for European agriculture. Opponents of the deal also fear social, health and environmental consequences, such as increased deforestation for livestock.
The purpose of the agreement is to increase trade in goods and services between the EU and South American economies by gradually eliminating trade barriers and customs duties and by standardizing rates and regulations. A godsend for free trade advocates.
"We would open the largest market in the world, with more than 700 million people in which our companies, even our farmers and service providers, would have opportunities," said Spanish MEP Javier Moreno Sánchez (S&D).
"Given the current geopolitical context, with Putin's invasion of Ukraine, the Chinese wanting all the markets and the American election that just took place, we should think about diversifying our partners a bit," he added.
The Member States have been at odds for 25 years. While Germany, Spain and Italy are campaigning in favor, France, Poland and Austria are against.
It remains to be seen whether the EU will give the green light to the deal in the face of strong opposition from some member states and the risk of provoking the agricultural sector.
Poll
IMF: The free exchange rate regime, the right choice - the Head of Mission in a meeting with Governor Sejko, evaluates the monetary policy of BSH
The International Monetary Fund has evaluated the choice of the Bank of Albania to maintain a free exchange rate regime. Recently, the Governor of the Bank......
Calculation of the loan with pencil and paper - Tola: with the new interest rate we will save 300 thousand ALL in 20 years
If we want to get a 10 million Lek loan to buy a house, with the new 2.75% interest rate issued by the country's central bank, the total we will save is......
Bosnia doubles the minimum wage - The government has decided to increase the minimum income to 614 euros
The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has announced an increase in the minimum wage to 613.6 euros from January 2025, aiming to improve living conditions......
Snowfall, November in history - John: It will be the coldest winter in the last 5 years
The entire territory of the country has been affected by rain and low temperatures, while in the Alps at heights of 1000-1200m there has been snowfall with......
Rainiest October on record - Spain records double rain in month of deadly floods
Spain has recorded its wettest October on record, culminating in the country's deadliest floods in decades, according to the national weather agency. More......
New electrical network in Radhimë - Orikum - Quality of energy supply in tourist areas, investment 5.3 million euros
About 5.3 million euros is the value of the investment that will be carried out in the Radhimë - Orikum tourist area to increase the quality of electricity......
How is the medicinal plant industry transforming? - Lack of manpower/ From "tracking" in the mountains to total cultivation
In the absence of labor and supply of wild medicinal plants, the industry is relying on meeting international standards and traceability, enabling the......
The Partnership for Open Government gathers the Ministers of the Pirdeni Region in Tirana: Transparency, integrity and accountability are key factors for the EU
Albania welcomed for the first time the Western Balkans Open Government Partnership meeting. The ministers who lead the agenda for open governance in the......
