Possible EU exchange offer to MERCOSUR on market access

22.1.2014

Question for written answer P-000599-14
to the Commission
Rule 117
Béla Glattfelder (PPE)

The EU has a mandate to negotiate a free trade agreement with MERCOSUR as a block. In the light of the institutional problems arising with Paraguay and Venezuela, and Argentina’s reluctance to adhere to a free trade agreement, the Commission is asked to answer the following:

• 1.Would the Commission be acting in accordance with its mandate if it granted de facto concessions to only part of the block?
• 2.How does the Commission intend to proceed with a view to making an exchange offer to the block as a whole? Does it intend to exclude certain sensitive products from the offer? If so, which ones? How does it intend to treat the following products in particular: sugar, bioethanol and biodiesel, beef, pork, poultry, milk and other dairy products, sweet corn, and other fruits and vegetables?
• 3.Should Venezuela or Argentina wish to enter into a bilateral agreement with the EU in addition to the agreement with MERCOSUR, what would be the EU’s response?

The European press is presenting it as a fact that the exchange offer on market access will be made in February or March 2014.

4. When does the Commission intend to make its offer to MERCOSUR on market access?

5. When does the Commission plan to fully inform Parliament and the Council about this move?

OJ C 286, 27/08/2014