Impact of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement on agriculture, the economy and European consumers
22.11.2024
Question for written answer E-002629/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Galato Alexandraki (ECR), Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR)
The proposed trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur is a matter of great concern for European farmers and consumers. While the aim is to create a free trade area encompassing 800 million people, the agreement may enable the import of cheaper agricultural products from Mercosur countries, where quality and health standards are well below European standards. This will undermine the competitiveness of European producers, while jeopardising the viability of family farms. At the same time, the lack of transparency in the labelling and traceability of imported products will open the door to the circulation of genetically modified or low-quality food products, limiting consumer choice.
Despite the strong concerns of producers and citizens alike, the EU is pressing on with negotiations, ignoring the consequences for agriculture and the economy. At the same time, the trade balance risks being disrupted to the detriment of European exports.
In view of the above, can the Commission answer the following:
- 1.What measures does it intend to take to protect European farmers from the unfair competition with Mercosur countries?
- 2.How will it ensure transparency in the labelling and traceability of imported products in order to protect consumer rights?
- 3.What does it plan to do to prevent a deterioration of the EU’s trade balance as a result of the agreement?
Submitted: 22.11.2024