French President Emmanuel Macron believes that his Brazilian counterpart, Jair Bolsonaro, has “lied” about his climate commitments and announced on Friday 23 August that, under these circumstances, France is opposed to the draft trade agreement between the EU and the Mercosur countries (see EUROPE 12307/20, 12286/3). Ireland has also threatened to vote against this free trade agreement if Brazil does not protect the Amazonian forest that is suffering from violent fires.
“Given Brazil's attitude in recent weeks, the President of the Republic can only note that President Bolsonaro lied to him at the [G20] Osaka summit”, the French presidency said, saying that “President Bolsonaro has decided not to respect his climate commitments. Under these conditions, France is opposed to the EU/Mercosur agreement as it stands”, the Elysée continues.
Forest fires in the Amazon are becoming a major diplomatic issue (see other news). The Brazilian President accused Mr Macron of wanting to “exploit” the subject for political purposes.
“Ireland will not vote for the free trade agreement if Brazil does not respect its environmental commitments”, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar also warned. Ireland will closely monitor Brazil's environmental actions over the next 2 years, before the vote on the EU/Mercosur agreement. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)