French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his concerns about the potential trade deal between the European Union and the South American trade bloc, Mercosur. In a meeting with Brazilian business executives, Macron stated that the deal is “terrible” and “outdated.”
Macron’s comments come as the EU and Mercosur are in the final stages of negotiations for a free trade agreement that has been in the works for over 20 years. The deal would create one of the world’s largest free trade zones, covering a population of 780 million people and a combined GDP of $19 trillion.
However, Macron believes that the deal does not adequately address environmental concerns and the protection of European farmers. He stated that the agreement is “not compatible with our environmental standards” and that it “goes against our interests.”
The French president also expressed his concerns about the current political climate in Brazil, particularly regarding deforestation in the Amazon rainforest. He stated that the EU will not sign a trade deal with a country that does not respect the Paris climate agreement and does not make efforts to protect the environment.
Macron’s comments have caused tension between France and Brazil, with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro accusing Macron of having a “colonialist mentality.” Bolsonaro also stated that Macron’s comments were “disrespectful” and that they showed a lack of understanding of Brazil’s efforts to protect the environment.
The potential trade deal between the EU and Mercosur has faced criticism from various groups, including environmentalists and farmers. Environmentalists are concerned about the impact of increased trade on the Amazon rainforest, while farmers fear that they will not be able to compete with cheaper imports from South America.
Despite these concerns, the EU and Mercosur have continued negotiations, with both sides hoping to finalize the deal by the end of 2020. However, Macron’s comments have raised doubts about the future of the agreement.
In response to Macron’s remarks, the European Commission stated that the EU is committed to ensuring that the trade deal includes strong environmental and social standards. They also stated that the deal will not be signed if these standards are not met.
The potential trade deal between the EU and Mercosur has been met with both praise and criticism. While it has the potential to boost economic growth and create new opportunities for businesses, it also raises concerns about the impact on the environment and local industries.
As negotiations continue, it is clear that there are still significant hurdles to overcome before the deal can be finalized. The comments from Macron serve as a reminder that any trade agreement must consider the interests of all parties involved, including the environment and local communities.