27/02/2023 (Agence Europe) – On 23 February, a section of the Dutch House of Representatives (Lower House) tabled a motion calling on the country’s government to block the EU/Mercosur trade agreement as long as it includes the agricultural sector. Parliamentarians fear unfair competition from outside for Dutch farmers. They also believe that the negotiated agreement will still lead to further deforestation in the Amazon, despite the pledges of the new Brazilian President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. A majority of parties have already indicated their support for the motion, giving it a good chance of being adopted on 7 March. Samira Rafaela MEP (Renew Europe, Dutch) reacted to the announcement on Twitter: “In these times, it is important that we strengthen trade relations with South America. This can be done fairly”, she wrote. Her political party, D66, supports the agreement. (LM)