No surprise today in Brussels: the EU-Mercosur deal was approved at the Council of the European Union following months of unprecedented maneuvering and pressure that confirm the complexity and divisiveness of this file, while leaving long-term marks.
Despite the latest adjustments to the additional safeguard measures, European farming and agri-cooperative organisations remain unanimous and united in denouncing a deal which remains fundamentally unbalanced and flawed in its core. This deep conviction only strengthens our determination and mobilisation.
It is now up to the European Parliament, our 720 elected representatives, to vote on this agreement in good conscience. The Council’s last-minute decision to withdraw the declaration guaranteeing no provisional implementation of the agreement before the European Parliament has the chance to have its say, despite past promises that this would not happen, is extremely concerning. It erodes trust in European governance, democratic processes and parliamentary scrutiny at a time when institutional credibility is already under strain.
It also reveals both nervousness and that a majority against the deal is still possible/likely.
Copa and Cogeca leadership will meet today to plan the next steps in our mobilisation.
