France Calls for Agricultural Safeguards in EU-Mercosur Deal

“Brazil has been very proactive in protecting itself. So why shouldn’t we have specific safeguard clauses for agricultural products as well?” said French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard, as quoted by Euractiv.

Speaking on the sidelines of an informal EU AGRIFISH Council meeting in Warsaw on Tuesday, Genevard confirmed that a “supplementary protocol” to the long-contested EU-Mercosur trade agreement—including stronger safeguards for agriculture—is currently under discussion as a potential condition for France’s support.

“This is one of the proposed scenarios: an additional protocol that would include robust safeguard clauses for agricultural products,” Genevard told reporters.

🇫🇷 France Remains Firm — Backed by Poland

France, backed by Poland, has led months-long opposition to the trade deal finalized in principle last December in Montevideo by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The proposed agreement has been a political and economic flashpoint across the EU, especially in agricultural sectors.

In a bid to win French support, the European Commission is reportedly considering a non-binding declaration addressing Paris’s concerns, though this has yet to be formally adopted.

🇧🇷 Brazil’s Influence and EU Concerns

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva visited Paris on June 5 as part of a diplomatic charm offensive aimed at boosting support for the deal. However, French President Emmanuel Macron made it clear that the current version of the agreement remains unacceptable for France.

At the Warsaw meeting, Genevard issued a stark warning:

“Under the current terms, large volumes of sugar could be exported from Mercosur countries to the EU, posing a direct threat to Europe’s sugar industry. Prices are falling, and there is talk of potential factory closures,” she said.

🛡️ A Call for Agricultural Protection

Genevard emphasized that Brazil has taken steps to protect its own producers, and the EU should do the same:

“Brazil has been very proactive in safeguarding its domestic market. So why shouldn't we have specific safeguard clauses to protect European agriculture?” she asked.

The EU-Mercosur deal remains in political limbo as pressure mounts from both supporters and critics. While proponents cite its geostrategic importance, opponents warn of unequal competition, lower environmental standards, and risks to small and medium-sized European farms.

Agricultural safeguards, long-demanded by France and other concerned member states, may prove to be the deal's tipping point.