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Mercosur: France seeks ‘a blocking minority’ in the EU

by AI | 24.Feb 2025 | Europe in brief AI

French authorities still wish to block the entry into force of the free trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur, denounced in France and other European countries by farmers who fear unfair competition.

French President Emmanuel Macron pets a Limousin cow, mascot of the 2025 Agriculture Show, in Paris, on February 22, 2025 (Photo: Alain Jocard/POOL/AFP)

Paris – France continues to seek a “blocking minority” within the European Union on the free trade agreement with South American countries of Mercosur, said President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday, before the opening of the 61st agricultural fair in Paris.

Paris opposes this agreement, considering that the South American bloc must respect the standards in force in the EU to avoid unfair competition. 

Intended to liberalize trade with five Latin American countries, this trade agreement was signed on December 6, 2024, but still needs to be ratified before it comes into effect. 

“It’s a bad text as it was signed. And so we will do everything to prevent it from going its way, to protect this French and European food sovereignty,” insisted the President.

He assured to continue seeking a “blocking minority” within the EU.

To be ratified, this free trade agreement must gain the approval of at least 15 member states representing 65% of the EU population, then gather a majority in the European Parliament. (February 22, 2025)