On Monday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz once again expressed his backing for the trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur South American bloc, which has been subject to numerous delays. He asserted that the deal would offer Europe opportunities for economic expansion.
He expressed that Germany strongly values free trade and believes that such agreements are crucially significant from a geostrategic perspective.
During a press conference with French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, Scholz presented his comments. Attal once again expressed Paris’ disagreement with the Mercosur agreement, explaining that the necessary requirements have not been fulfilled.
Farmers from several European countries, including France and Germany, have been protesting against the agreement with the Mercosur nations (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay).
This agreement, which has been under negotiation for almost 25 years across different administrations, has encountered strong opposition from farmers demanding improved incomes and working conditions.
Farmers are concerned that the EU-Mercosur agreement will exacerbate the decline in prices of their goods.
The objective of the agreement is to decrease import taxes on primarily European manufacturing and medical commodities, along with agricultural items.
Paris and Brussels have experienced tensions due to conversations regarding the future of the agreement.
President Emmanuel Macron of France has repeatedly stated his continued disapproval of the trade agreement.
In contrast, Germany strongly supports the agreement with Latin American nations that will enhance opportunities for its influential export sector.
– TIMES/AFP
