The Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament will not relinquish pressure on the European institutions over the EU/Mercosur trade agreement, which it considers "harmful for all", according to MEP Yannick Jadot. On Wednesday 20 November, Green MEPs presented the first elements of an impact study carried out with South American researchers, which is due to be published in January.
Denouncing, in Mr Jadot's words, the "lack of understanding [on the part of the European Commission, editor's note] of what is happening on the ground", this analysis focuses on assessing the real impacts of this treaty concluded on 28 June 2019.
European farmers and stockbreeders will suffer most from competition from Mercosur countries (see EUROPE 12366/11), where producers are not subject to the same health and environmental rules as in the EU. In addition, the control mechanisms provided for in the agreement are not robust, according to the study.
These exports of agri-food products and raw materials, coupled with an opening to mining companies, will also have an impact on forests and land use, warned Anna Cavazzini (Germany). They will lead to increased use of pesticides that are harmful to local populations and ecosystems, she said.
In Mercosur, the industrial sector is expected to suffer significantly from the Treaty, with a massive loss of jobs.
The researchers also point to the risks of disruption of intra-Mercosur value chains: the agreement will reinforce the specialisation of these economies, while increasing imbalance between regions.
The Greens reiterate that this treaty should at least be complemented by a climate safety clause and binding provisions in the chapter on sustainable development.
However, the Greens expressed confidence in the strong opposition expressed not only in Parliament (see EUROPE 12335/17, 12321/4) and the EU Council (see EUROPE 12331/33), but also in the Mercosur countries. It cannot be ruled out that Alberto Fernández's assumption of the Argentine presidency on 10 December could lead to the parties returning to the negotiating table. (Original version in French by Hermine Donceel)