EU endorsement of Mercosur deal criticised

In a pivotal move, the European Commission has granted approval to the Mercosur trade agreement, which has stirred controversy across the EU. This landmark decision, celebrated by some and criticized by others, holds dire implications for Polish farmers, particularly in the poultry sector, who fear the impacts on their livelihoods.

The anticipated agreement will permit Brazil and four other Mercosur nations to export agricultural products into the EU with diminished or nonexistent restrictions, radically transforming the landscape for local producers.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, heralded the deal as a significant boon for businesses, proclaiming in a recent tweet, “EU businesses and agri-food sector will benefit from lower tariffs, reduced costs. They will become more competitive globally.”

“EU businesses and agri-food sector will benefit from lower tariffs, reduced costs. They will become more competitive globally.” – von der Leyen

Concerns Among European Poultry Producers

However, this optimistic outlook is not universally shared. Dariusz Goszczyński, President of Poland’s National Poultry Council – Chamber of Commerce, voiced strong opposition to the agreement, stating, “The deal represents a real threat to European poultry producers.” He expressed deep disappointment with the European Commission’s decision, highlighting a disconnect between promises made to farmers and the reality of the situation.

Poland’s Staunch Opposition

After receiving the EU’s green light, the agreement now requires approval from the majority of EU member states to take effect. Poland has consistently opposed the Mercosur agreement, aligning its stance with the concerns of its agricultural community, particularly given its status as the largest poultry producer in the EU.

Goszczyński further emphasized Poland’s unique vulnerability, noting that the country is particularly susceptible to the repercussions of market liberalization.

Potential Impact of Mercosur Importation

The deal stipulates the introduction of 180,000 tonnes of poultry meat annually from Mercosur countries into the EU market, an influx expected to directly compete with Poland’s domestic poultry products.

Fears of Unfair Competition

Poultry farmers across Poland and various other EU nations have raised alarms regarding the necessity to compete with foreign manufacturers who do not adhere to the rigorous environmental and animal welfare standards imposed on European producers.

Ignored Concerns from the Agricultural Sector

Frustration mounts among farmers as they feel their concerns are falling on deaf ears. Goszczyński lamented that the European Commission appears unwilling to heed the voices of agricultural organizations, which have passionately warned that allowing products that do not meet the same quality standards into the European market is untenable.