On 9 January, the EU associate States' ambassadors were voted on in an agreement with Mercosur countries, i.e. the economical block of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. It concerns the simplification of duties and the introduction of preferences for selected agricultural products from South America.
Despite farmers' protests and opposition from respective associate States (including France and Poland), a majority was obtained to accept the agreement, which represents a minimum of 15 countries representing 65% of the EU population. This means that Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, can sign a contract in Paraguay.
What are they planning in Poland after approval of the Mercosur agreement?
"We will not let this go, this will be the subject of a referral to the Court of Justice of the European Union. As a PSL, we will study here that this is the subject of analysis and proceedings before the TEU," said Minister of Agriculture Stefan Krajewski on Friday.
The announcement of Mercosur besides appeared on the authoritative profile of the Ministry of Agriculture. Representatives pointed out, among others, that president Karol Nawrocki did not convince his political allies from Italy to vote against the agreement (Italians hesitated between "in favour" and "against").
These news present will surely not delight the farmers who came to Warsaw to protest. And not only them, for in France farmers besides went out onto the streets and blocked the bypass of Paris.
The Polish Ministry of Agriculture mentioned at the end of its communication that, although it was not possible to build a number blocking the contract, any "holdings for farmers" were achieved: safeguard clauses and the alleged safety brake, allowing preferential duties to be suspended with over-importation, the threshold for price depression allowing the Commission to intervene and more agrarian measures from the EU budget.
