“The European Commission insists on the adoption and implementation of an agreement that would open Europe to unlimited imports of South American agricultural products at the expense of the livelihood of Hungarian farmers,” Szijjarto said.
When will the vote on Mercosur take place?
What are Hungary's concerns about the Mercosur deal?
Who opposes the Mercosur agreement in the EU?
What support will agriculture receive from the EU after signing the agreement?
He added that the government in Budapest opposes this agreement because “Brussels is once again ignoring the interests of our farmers.”
Mercosur. EU countries' fears before signing the agreement
The agreement is intended to introduce trade preferences for selected agricultural products from Mercosur countries – Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. In return, Mercosur is to open up to the EU industry.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wanted to officially sign the agreement in Brazil at the end of December, but did not receive the necessary support from member states. On Tuesday, she proposed that in the new EU financial perspective from 2028, farmers would have accelerated access to EUR 45 billion from the EU budget. Von der Leyen also wants 10 percent. funds from national and regional plans in the future would go to supporting investments in rural areas.
Polish Minister of Agriculture Stefan Krajewski announced on Wednesday in Brussels that the EU is to return to a more restrictive provision of the protection clause in the agreement with Mercosur. He noted that there is no certainty that the decision will be made at all, as it may be postponed again.
— There are no such permanent and certain positions of individual countries. Some member states are hesitant and say they will abstain from voting, emphasized the minister.
Poland and France are opposed to the agreement, and Italy is also skeptical. Deputy Minister of Agriculture Adam Nowak emphasized that Poland, Hungary, France and Italy could effectively block the adoption of the agreement. The blocking minority consists of at least four Member States representing at least 35 percent. EU population.
