The entry into force of the Mercosur deal – set to forge a trade area between the EU27 and Mercosur countries, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay – remains a controversial topic amongst agrifood stakeholders.
The deal was struck in 2019, after almost 20 years of negotiations. It establishes the largest free trade zone the EU has ever created, covering a market of 780 million people and liberalising most agricultural exchanges.
Despite the lengthy negotiations, the deal is far from being done. Its ratification is coming under fire, especially regarding Brazil´s environmental policy, which is being called into question by some member states.
Although it offers some market opportunities for EU farmers and companies, many European producers fear the agreement will afford better market access for agricultural giants, such as those in Brazil and Argentina.
In this Special Report, EURACTIV’s partner EFE Agro takes a look at the current state of play of the EU agricultural sector and the Mercosur deal.
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Member state criticism, COVID crisis delay ratification of EU-Mercosur deal
The challenging procedure of ratifying the EU-Mercosur deal is being held up due to a combination of the COVID-19 health crisis and considerable criticism from member states. EURACTIV's partner Efeagro takes a look at the current state of play.
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Mercosur agreement seduces Spain’s industry, disturbs farmers
The principle of the EU-Mercosur deal has raised mixed feelings in Spain. While the food industry highlights the newly available options for the sector, farmers are showing reluctance towards the deal. EURACTIV's partner Efeagro reports.
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Europe ‘cannot afford’ to bow out of Mercosur agreement, says academic
The crisis of multilateralism, driven by the competition between the US and China, and a lukewarm push from the current leaders of the EU and Mercosur, explains why the agreement between these two blocks is such a challenge, analysts say. EURACTIV's partner Efeagro reports.
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EU-Mercosur, an agreement with different agricultural standards
The difference in production standards has been one of many causes for disagreement during the negotiations of the EU-Mercosur agreement. EURACTIV's partner Efeagro reports.
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EU-Mercosur agreement could cause international trade uncertainty
The EU's trend of negotiating preferential or free trade agreements with different regions and countries of the world has experienced successes and failures. EURACTIV's partner Efeagro reports.