In fresh days, the discussion of the trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur countries (including Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay) has rekindled. The revealed parts of the agreement make controversy and concern, especially among farmers and consumers. 1 of the most frequently addressed topics is the question of reducing sanitary and phytosanitary controls for imported agricultural goods.
Minimalisation of controls: fresh customs clearance rules
The parts of the Mercosur Agreement made available clearly item simplified customs clearance procedures for perishable goods. According to the Euro MP Anna Bryłka, agricultural goods can be examined straight at the entrepreneur's premises alternatively of at the borders of the European Union. "The agricultural goods will be allowed into the European Union without an examination or after an examination at the entrepreneur's premises" alarms the lump.
Experts inform that specified a solution can lead to a weakening of the food quality control strategy by beginning the door to goods not gathering European standards. Reducing the number of controls may besides mean harder detection of pesticides or chemicals banned in the EU.
Position of Poland and another EU countries
Some associate States have already objected to the agreement. France and Poland are among the countries most critical of the agreement. "There is no consensus among associate States to support this agreement. France is against, my country, Poland, it is against here too" - emphasised Bryłka during the debate in the European Parliament.
The Polish government adopted an appropriate resolution against this agreement, noting the risks to home food producers and the hazard of flooding the European marketplace with dubious quality goods.
Will the European Union take care of consumers?
Consumer protection is 1 of the key aspects of the debate on the Mercosur agreement. "I would like to see the issue of consumer protection against the import of food of a very uncertain and unexplained quality," pointed Mr Bryłka.
Concerns relate primarily to issues specified as:
- the presence of pesticides and substances banned in the EU,
- lack of full transparency in the production of agricultural goods in Mercosur countries;
- Impact on consumer wellness in the EU.
The MEP from Wielkopolska called for circumstantial deadlines for ratification of the agreement and for clarification of whether part of its provisions would be applied provisionally. "When will the European Commission present the Council with a precise proposal on the signing and conclusion of the Agreement? I ask if part of the agreement, which falls under the exclusive competence of the European Union, will be applied on a provisional basis" asked Mr Bryłka.
Conclusions and possible risks
Experts and politicians agree that the Mercosur agreement can lead to a worsening of the situation of European farmers who will gotta compete with inexpensive food from South America. At the same time, the minimisation of sanitary controls raises serious doubts as to the quality of the imported goods.
The key question for consumers in the EU is whether the European institutions will be able to guarantee an adequate level of protection of public wellness and food security. The debate on the agreement will proceed and its finals could affect the future of European agriculture and the food market.
What are the next steps?
The European Commission is expected to supply further details on the ratification process in 2025. In the meantime, associate States and representatives of the European Parliament will take decisions that may influence the final form of the agreement. Consumers and food producers should follow developments as the result of these negotiations will have far-reaching consequences for the EU interior market.
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Piece: Agricultural goods from Mercosur countries will enter our marketplace without research
