What beef do EU farmers have with the Mercosur free trade deal?

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Euronews or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: European farmers are protesting the EU-Mercosur trade deal, fearing they cannot compete with South America's less regulated and cheaper agricultural products like beef and poultry
• The agreement, in negotiation since 1999, aims to create a major free trade zone but faces opposition over environmental and market concerns
• Protests have reignited as talks progress toward final approval

🔭 The context: The EU-Mercosur pact seeks to lower tariffs, benefiting EU industries like cars and chemicals while giving Mercosur countries better access for agricultural exports
• France, leading the opposition, demands stricter environmental and labor safeguards
• Proponents like Germany and Brazil argue the deal boosts economic ties and trade diversification

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Environmental groups warn the deal could fuel Amazon deforestation and increase pesticide use, undermining EU climate commitments
• The lack of stringent agricultural regulations in South America adds to sustainability concerns

⏭️ What's next: A December Mercosur summit may finalize the deal, but EU ratification remains contentious, especially with France potentially leveraging national parliaments to veto it
• The EU Commission is considering splitting the deal to reduce approval barriers

💬 One quote: “France would not sign the deal as is,” - French President Emmanuel Macron, highlighting environmental and labor concerns

📈 One stat: The agreement allows 99,000 tonnes of beef to face a reduced tariff of 7.5%, representing less than 2% of EU annual beef consumption

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