Farm unions argue the safeguards are insufficient to prevent unfair competition due to divergent environmental and sanitary rules outside Europe, and they urge French MEPs to oppose ratification.

Macron offers a generally supportive yet vigilant view of the EU-Mercosur trade deal, emphasizing the safeguards France won in negotiations.

French agriculture leaders, led by FNSEA president Arnaud Rousseau, peg Macron’s Belem remarks as a new affront and a rupture with French farming.

As COP30 approaches, the debate over the deal intensifies, highlighting tensions among policymakers, farmers, and environmentalists about its environmental impact.

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The ongoing French political debate sobre the agreement remains controversial within national politics and among farmers.

Rousseau frames the stance as part of a pattern of perceived affronts, citing past remarks about inviting environmental activists to dialogue with farmers.

France has been reluctant, but the approval process proceeds, with the agreement awaiting parliamentary ratification before it can enter into force.

There are potential legal challenges, including plans to challenge EU law compatibility before the European Court of Justice, even as the Commission advances ratification.

The statements were made on the sidelines of a Belem summit ahead of COP30, amid criticism from French politics and farming groups.

Macron spoke to reporters during the Belem leaders’ summit, positioning his remarks in the Belem event context.

Timeline notes: the Commission has started ratification while unions push for a bloc vote by French MEPs against the deal.

Brazilian leadership signaled willingness to sign the Mercosur agreement at the December 20 Mercosur summit in Rio de Janeiro following discussions with EU leaders.

High-level talks between Lula and von der Leyen have increased momentum toward a potential signing path, despite earlier European hesitations.

The EU-Mercosur agreement, signed late in 2024, aims to liberalize trade but requires ratification by all 27 EU member states before entry into force, with agriculture being a major sticking point for France.

The pact would reduce tariffs on agricultural imports like beef and poultry, raising concerns for French farmers about competition and potential rule mismatches.

Core tension centers on balancing the deal’s economic benefits for the EU with potential harm to French agriculture and higher-standard production rules.

Critics warn of a lack of a robust mirror clause and potential loss of competitiveness for French producers under the Mercosur agreement.

The discourse reflects a divide between defending rural livelihoods and pursuing broader trade liberalization, with Macron’s remarks seen as a potential turning point by some allies.

France secured strengthened safeguard clauses, but opposition persists among farming groups who warn of distortion and loss of sovereignty in farming.

Farmers fear unfair competition from South American producers, a central reason behind Macron’s initial resistance and ongoing push for modifications.

Macron had signaled that the agreement could be acceptable only with modifications to address agricultural concerns.

Macron commits to remaining vigilant to protect France’s agricultural and economic interests.

Rousseau notes Macron’s shift toward a more favorable stance, signaling a possible pivot since his Brazil visit.