The European Parliament has approved additional safeguards for preventing damage to the agricultural sector in Europe due to free trade with Mercosur countries, but dissenters argue it does not adequately protect farmers.
On Tuesday, the European Parliament passed additional safeguards aimed at preventing harm to the European agricultural sector that may arise from free trade agreements with Mercosur countries, namely Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The legislation was supported with 483 votes in favor, against 102 opposed, and 67 abstentions. The new rules outline how the EU can temporarily suspend tariff preferences outlined in the EU-Mercosur trade deal for imports of agricultural products if an increase in these imports threatens EU producers.
Despite the approval, there are significant concerns among some lawmakers who claim that the provisions merely serve as a 'token clause' and do not provide genuine protection for farmers. Critics point to the inadequacy of these safeguards, suggesting that the trade agreement may worsen conditions for European agricultural producers rather than offering the expected support. This sentiment aligns with long-standing fears that increased competition from South American imports could undermine local agricultural economies, particularly during times of economic strain.
As the newly approved measures are set to be implemented, the European Commission has been tasked with initiating investigations into the need for protective measures concerning imports of sensitive agricultural products such as poultry, beef, eggs, and citrus fruits. These findings will be essential in determining the future of trade relations between the EU and Mercosur, and whether the implemented safeguards will indeed be effective in protecting European farmers as intended.
