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French farmers’ groups begin full-scale protests on the 18th
Germany, Spain, Italy and Poland also voiced opposition.
“No Mercosur”
(AFP = Yonhap News) On the 18th (local time), farmers are protesting against the FTA between the EU and South American markets in a small town in southern France. 2024.11.18.
(Paris = Yonhap News) Correspondent Song Jin-won = Farmer groups in Europe are increasing the level of pressure on their governments due to the prospect that a free trade agreement (FTA) between the European Union (EU) and Mercosur (Common Market for South America) could be finalized within the year. is increasing.
The French National Farmers’ Federation and the Young Farmers’ Association began their opposition protests in earnest on the 18th (local time).
In southern Montpellier, about 100 farmers are protesting in front of the local government building, and in Avignon, tractor protesters have also gathered to take a joint response. In Bordeaux, a tractor demonstration was scheduled from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
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Some farmers in the metropolitan area had occupied part of National Highway 118 with their cars since the previous evening, but lifted their sit-in protest this morning.
Pierre Orel, head of the Young Farmers’ Association, appeared on RMC radio that day and said, “Protests will be held in 85 locations across the country. In some places, roads will be blocked, and in other places, there may be flames of anger or protests in front of government buildings.” It was predicted.
Chairman Orel said he was “reassured” that President Emmanuel Macron visited Argentina the day before and said he was opposed to the FTA, but expressed concern that “it is difficult to be sure whether he will be able to persuade other member states not to ratify this agreement.”
European farmers protesting in Brussels, Belgium, where the EU headquarters is located, on the 13th.
[EPA 연합뉴스 자료사진. 재판매 및 DB 금지]
Farmers in other EU member countries are also opposing the FTA between South America.
Germany, which had been reluctant to conclude an agreement under Chancellor Angela Merkel due to deforestation in the Amazon, changed its attitude to expand industrial advancement under the Olaf Scholz government. Currently, uncertainty has grown for farmers due to the collapse of the coalition government.
The German Farmers’ Association (DBV) said it had no plans to protest yet, but insisted that renegotiation was urgent. Chairman Joachim Lukvitt said, “EU agriculture can only survive if a mechanism is in place to compensate for the differences between international and European standards.”
Spanish farmers are particularly concerned about importing cheap beef from South America. The Spanish Young Farmers’ Association has criticized the FTA with South America, saying it is “outdated and inconsistent.” The Spanish government is persuading that this FTA is strategically necessary, saying that while some sectors, such as beef, will suffer, items such as wine and olive oil will benefit.
Representative Italian farmers’ groups also sent a letter to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressing deep concern about the negotiations, and in the Netherlands, major agricultural groups called on the government to stop the negotiations. Dutch farmers are particularly concerned that the poultry and sugar sectors will be threatened.
Poland’s position is that not only farmers’ organizations but also the Ministry of Agriculture should suspend the FTA with South America. The Polish Ministry of Agriculture pointed out that the FTA sacrifices most agricultural and food production sectors, while only benefiting sectors such as industry and transport.
Mercosur is a South American economic community comprised of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia, and began FTA discussions with the EU in 1999.
After 20 years of negotiations, a basic agreement was reached in 2019, but it ran into difficulties as the EU requested the addition of new conditions such as environmental protection obligations, so there has been no progress so far, but there is a growing possibility that it will be finally signed by the end of this year.
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2024/11/18 20:48 Sent
How can the EU ensure that environmental standards are upheld in South American agricultural practices as part of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement?
“Farmers in Europe are increasingly expressing concern over the potential consequences of the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement. As the negotiations seem to be nearing a conclusion, what do you think are the main challenges that the European agricultural sector may face in the coming years?”
Guest 1: “I am concerned about the potential impact on European agriculture in terms of increased competition from South American producers, particularly in sectors such as beef and sugar. We already face significant challenges from globalization and cheap imports, and this agreement could make things worse. Additionally, we must consider the environmental implications of increasing agricultural production in South America, which could lead to further deforestation and harm the climate.”
Guest 2: “I understand these concerns, but I believe that the benefits of the agreement cannot be overlooked. The EU has a responsibility to promote international trade and cooperation, and it’s important to recognize that not all sectors will be negatively affected. In fact, there are many products that European producers can export to South America under the agreement, such as wine and dairy products, which could generate new business opportunities. Furthermore, the EU is putting in place measures to ensure that environmental standards are maintained throughout the production process.”
“South American countries have argued that the agreement will help to reduce poverty and increase economic development in their regions. Do you think that the EU should prioritize economic growth in the global south over the protection of its own agricultural sector?”
Guest 1: “Of course, economic development and reducing poverty are important goals, but they should not come at the expense of European farmers who are already struggling. The EU should ensure that there are adequate protections in place for its producers before signing any trade agreements. Moreover, we must consider the long-term impact on the environment and the sustainability of our food systems.”
Guest 2: “I agree that everyone should be treated fairly, but we must also recognize the potential benefits for both parties. The agreement could promote economic growth and job creation in Europe as well, particularly in the manufacturing and service sectors. Additionally, the EU has already made significant investments in sustainable agriculture and environmental protection, and these commitments should be included in the agreement as a way to ensure that everyone wins.”
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