In an opinion adopted on Thursday 24 May, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) calls for the trade section of the association agreement between the European Union and Mercosur (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay) – which is currently being negotiated – to be beneficial for both parties and not to sacrifice any sector, region or country.
This agreement would create a vast area of economic integration, bringing significant gains for both partners, enabling the Mercosur countries to diversify their economy, and generating positive spin-off effects for the rest of Latin America, the EESC opinion states.
Rapporteur Josep Puxeu Rocamora (Group I 'employers', Spain) underlines the high political and economic cost of not reaching an agreement or of an imbalanced agreement.
The EESC supports an ambitious agreement, focusing on all the aspects of bilateral relations and addressing the real obstacles confronting businesses.
Co-rapporteur Mário Soares (Groupe II 'workers', Portugal) argues for a full social, labour and environmental dimension, ensuring economic relations are in line with the ILO conventions which govern sustainable development.
The EESC opinion underlines that strengthening social cohesion should be the overarching objective of the social dimension of the association agreement.
In addition, the EESC calls for the creation of a civil society joint monitoring committee made up of the EESC and Mercosur's Economic and Social Consultative Forum (FCES). This monitoring committee would have an advisory status and a voice in all areas covered by the agreement. (Original version in French by Emmanuel Hagry)