Von der Leyen reaches the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, in the face of French opposition!
More than twenty years after the start of negotiations, the European Union and the Mercosur countries Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay - have finally reached a trade agreement, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced from a summit in Uruguay on Friday.
"Today marks a truly historic milestone," von der Leyen said, adding that the deal was "an ambitious and balanced deal."
Negotiators from the Latin American trading bloc met in Montevideo with the EU's trade negotiating team to hammer out the deal, which will cover 780 million people between the two areas. But the deal will need a nod from the 27 EU member states.
For weeks, France, which opposes the deal, has been trying to get its partners to block the deal. Poland has formally announced its intention to join a coalition opposing the deal, and in a statement released Friday Italy made its deal conditional on guarantees for its farmers.
The votes of Ireland, the Netherlands and Austria remain in doubt.
For its supporters, the deal will open up new markets for the Europeans, maintaining influence in the region at a time when China is increasing its investment in Latin America. Its opponents are worried about competition from imports of agricultural products in Europe.
The "final political agreement" reached on Friday is "just a first step before a long process", a Commission spokesman said of the future signing of the agreement by EU member states.
Reaching a deal in the face of strong French opposition comes at a sensitive time for French President Emmanuel Macron, who has personally voiced France's opposition to the deal and is currently faced with the task of appointing a new government on the brink of collapse. of Prime Minister Michel Barnier's administration this week.
Poll
Coffee prices at 47-year high - Extreme weather has pushed costs up sharply as demand continues to rise
Coffee prices have reached a 47-year high. This comes as a result of Arabica coffee futures recently hitting $3.35 per ounce (453 grams). That's 70% more......
Total investments in Albania increase by 3.8% - BSH: However, their ratio to GDP has suffered a small decrease
Investments in our country, whether made by the state or the private sector, have increased significantly throughout this year. Despite this, the ratio of......
Energy efficiency in multi-family buildings - The Agency opens two tenders in Elbasan and Shkodër
The Agency for Energy Efficiency has opened two tenders for renovation with high energy efficiency in multi-family buildings respectively in the city of......
"Energy plants inside pastures" - The new law comes into force, allowing the development of these projects
Within the pasture fund, the construction of solar and wind power plants will be allowed. The new law has been published in the Official Gazette, paving the......
US restricts chip exports to China - The decision aims to hinder Beijing's advance in the military sector
The United States imposed new restrictions on exports of chips and semiconductor equipment to China, marking the latest blow by the Biden administration to......
"11 million tourists in 11 months" - Kumbaro: Income has increased by 34% in 2 years
About 11 million foreign citizens visited Albania from the beginning of the year to the end of November. The sector, which is seen more and more as the one......
"Lower prices for citizens, more access to the market" - The competition law changes. Aligns with EU legislation
Small and medium-sized businesses will benefit from a fairer and more competitive business environment, and will have more opportunities to enter the market.......
Jaka-entrepreneurs: Let's do good parenting, for a brighter future! Stop the escape of workers!
In the 128th anniversary of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Tirana, Chairman Nikolin Jaka delivered several important messages. He stopped at a......
