Despite France's concerns, the European Commission wants to continue negotiations on a trade agreement with the South American Mercosur states. “The European Union continues to pursue its objective of reaching an agreement”, said Commission spokesman Eric Mamer in Brussels today.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that he would block the negotiations against the backdrop of farmers' protests in his country.
The Commission also believes that further consultation is needed. “Currently there are no conditions to conclude negotiations with Mercosur states,” Mamer said in Brussels. A trade agreement must “take into account the interests of the EU, especially in the area of agriculture”.
The day before, it was said in Paris that the negotiations had been interrupted at Macron's insistence. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal also emphasized that France rejects the agreement. Paris fears negative consequences for its own farmers due to the threat of competition from South America.