The European Commission and the Mercosur countries have agreed to conclude an ambitious Free Trade Agreement that reduces most of the tariffs between the two economic areas. This agreement is one way of forging a strategic alliance with four South American countries with which we have close relations, in a period characterised by geoeconomic tensions and national decline. In our view, compliance with European standards relating to health, the environment, social affairs, plant health and animal welfare, as well as with International Labour Organisation standards, is essential.

Our priority is to protect our farmers. The agreement will bring about a number of changes, including higher quotas, lower customs duties, etc.

Can you tell us what measures could be taken to combat unfair competition, what aid could be provided to the agricultural sectors that might be affected by the agreement with Mercosur, and how such aid could be allocated to agricultural sectors and countries?

Furthermore, what measures will be put in place to ensure compliance with European agricultural standards?