France will not Sign the EU-Mercosur Agreement in Defense of its Farmers
More than 600 French parliamentarians (deputies, senators, and members of the European Parliament) wrote to Von der Leyen on Tuesday to express their opposition to the treaty.
Leaders from across the French political spectrum and the agricultural sector are rallying with exceptional unanimity against the signing of a trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and Mercosur, citing the need to defend agriculture and the environment.
The European Commission (the EU’s executive body) appears determined to finalize a free trade agreement with Mercosur (comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia, although the latter is not part of the agreement) by the end of the year, despite France’s objections to the current terms.
French Prime Minister Michel Barnier declared in Brussels on Wednesday that “under the current conditions, this agreement is not acceptable for France and will not be.” He added, “I recommend not disregarding the stance of a country like France” after meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
To block the decision, France would need a blocking minority of at least four out of the 27 EU countries in the Council, which brings together the governments of the bloc.
Germany and Spain are pushing for the agreement to move forward, while Poland and Austria have expressed opposition, with other countries — such as Italy, Ireland, and the Netherlands — currently withholding their positions, according to diplomatic sources in Brussels.
Agricultural unions are calling for protests, less than a year after a historic mobilization that saw roadblocks across France in response to sector grievances.
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