2024-11-17 18:16:00
Emmanuel Macron declared, on Sunday 17 November, in Buenos Aires that France “I wouldn’t sign as it is” the free trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and Mercosur. Declare that you want “reassuring farmers”he added it “we will continue to oppose”.
“France opposes this agreement. And I’ll tell you: the president [Javier] Milei himself told me that he was not satisfied with this agreement”assured the President of the Republic, at the end of a visit to Argentina during which he spoke twice with the Argentine President.
In this context, Macron reportedly told this to his guest “for Argentina, [l’accord UE-Mercosur] it would be very harmful for its reindustrialization, and for us it would be very negative for our agriculture”. “We don’t believe in the pre-agreement as it was negotiated”Macron further explained to the press on the airport tarmac, before leaving Argentina for Brazil, where he will participate in the G20 summit.
Could the EU ignore Paris’ position? “I do not believe”replied the head of state “recognized[tre] to the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen great respect for France”.
“We can’t ask our farmers (…) change their practices, do without some plant protection products”to have a production “high quality”etc “At the same time opening our market to massive imports of products that do not meet the same criteria”judged Macron again.
Farmers mobilization from Monday
The European Commission, supported by several countries such as Germany and Spain, hopes to sign by the end of the year the free trade agreement negotiated for decades between the EU and the Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia).
French farmers, supported by a unanimous political class, intend to mobilize against the treaty starting Monday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin “he doesn’t want peace” with Kiev and “he is not ready to negotiate”the head of state also esteemed. After this offensive “one of the most intense since the beginning of the conflict”, “I think it’s clear that President Putin’s intentions are to escalate [les] Combatta »underlined Macron, who did not rule out speaking with his Russian counterpart again, but only when the “context” will lend itself to it.
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In this context, “we must keep our commitments to the Ukrainians, that is, allow them to wage this war of resistance, hand over weapons and equipment”continued the president.
When asked about the initiative of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who had a telephone exchange with Vladimir Putin on Friday – provoking Kiev’s anger – Macron replied that it was not “I’m not here to comment”.
What are the implications of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement for French farmers and their livelihoods?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Trade Policy Expert Dr. Marie Lefevre
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Lefevre! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent statements made by French President Emmanuel Macron regarding the EU-Mercosur trade agreement. It seems like there’s quite a stir around this topic, especially following Macron’s remarks in Buenos Aires.
Dr. Marie Lefevre: Thank you for having me! Yes, Macron’s comments have certainly reignited the debate surrounding this long-negotiated deal.
Time.news Editor: Macron was quite adamant when he said, “I wouldn’t sign as it is.” What do you believe are the main concerns from France’s perspective regarding this agreement?
Dr. Marie Lefevre: Macron’s primary concerns seem to focus on agricultural protections for French farmers. France has a robust agricultural sector, and Macron emphasized that it wouldn’t be fair to open European markets to imports from Mercosur countries that may not meet the same environmental and production standards that European farmers adhere to. This is a key point that resonates with both the agricultural community and the general public in France.
Time.news Editor: In his remarks, Macron also mentioned that the agreement could be “harmful” for Argentina’s reindustrialization. Can you elaborate on what that means?
Dr. Marie Lefevre: Certainly. For Argentina, the fear is that an influx of European goods could cripple local industries, undermining efforts to revitalize manufacturing and other sectors that are crucial for economic development. Macron’s comments suggest that he acknowledges the complexities of international trade and its impact on local economies. He is advocating for a balanced approach that considers the long-term implications for both sides.
Time.news Editor: Macron indicated that he believes the inclusive support from other nations in the EU to finalize the agreement shows a divide in perspectives within Europe. What might that mean for the future of the negotiations?
Dr. Marie Lefevre: It does highlight the tensions within the EU. While some member states, like Germany and Spain, are supportive of finalizing the agreement, France’s resistance could stall the process. The EU often requires unanimous approval for trade agreements, so France’s position is significant. It’ll be interesting to see how the European Commission navigates these differing viewpoints, especially with French farmers planning protests starting next week.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the mobilization of French farmers in opposition to the agreement. What does this reveal about the domestic response to international trade agreements in France?
Dr. Marie Lefevre: There is a strong historical precedent in France for farmer mobilization against perceived threats to their livelihoods. The French agricultural sector commands widespread political support, and when farmers unite, it often translates into significant political pressure. This upcoming mobilization indicates how deeply intertwined agricultural policies are with national identity and economic security in France.
Time.news Editor: Macron also pointed out the lack of reciprocity in standards, saying farmers can’t be expected to change their practices while facing unequal competition. How does this concept of reciprocity tie into overall trade policy?
Dr. Marie Lefevre: Reciprocity in trade refers to the expectation that trading partners adhere to similar standards and practices. Macron’s argument hinges on this principle; he believes that if European farmers are held to strict regulations, then Mercosur countries should also adhere to comparable standards, especially regarding environmental protection and food safety. This is crucial for fair competition and ensuring that local producers aren’t disadvantaged.
Time.news Editor: As we look forward, what do you think is the most likely outcome of the current standoff between France and the EU over the Mercosur agreement?
Dr. Marie Lefevre: It’s difficult to predict, but if France maintains its hardline stance, we might see either a postponement of the agreement or a revision of its terms to address France’s concerns—though that would require extensive negotiations. On the other hand, if EU leaders find a way to compromise, we could witness some form of agreement this year. Ultimately, the EU will need to weigh the economic benefits of the agreement against the political and social pressures within member states, especially France.
Time.news Editor: Dr. Lefevre, thank you for your insights! It’s clear that the complexities of this agreement reach far beyond trade figures, touching on agriculture, politics, and international relations. We look forward to seeing how this situation develops.
Dr. Marie Lefevre: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss such an important issue! I’m eager to see how these discussions unfold as well.
