The reinforced safeguard clause proposed by Brussels to protect the agricultural sectors within the framework of the trade agreement between the EU and four Mercosur countries must be “adopted and recognized by the” Latin American “countries before any signing of the agreement,” the French minister responsible for Europe stressed on Sunday.
The European Commission announced “safeguard measures” in early September, hoping to get the green light from France.
“We want this clause to be adopted and recognized by the Mercosur countries before any signing of the agreement,” declared Minister Benjamín Haddad in an interview with the Journal du Dimanche (JDD), specifying that France was “evaluating” whether the guarantees “would effectively protect the agricultural sectors from market disturbances.”
“The second essential point, and on which we want a quick result, is the need to have a series of mirror clauses so that the same standards are applied to European products and imported products,” he added, recalling that the Government’s only compass was the defense of farmers “against unfair competition.”
ticking
These comments come when time is running out. Brussels hopes to obtain the approval of the European states before the end of December, as long as the Brazilian Lula occupies the rotating presidency of Mercosur.
The agreement, aimed at liberalizing trade between the European Union and Latin American countries, including the two giants Brazil and Argentina, was signed at the end of 2024. Adopted on September 3, 2025 by the European Commission, the text must still be approved by the 27 member countries before entering into force.
This treaty aims to increase European exports of automobiles, machinery and wine. In exchange, it will facilitate imports of beef, poultry, sugar or honey thanks to the reduction of customs duties.
“Reinforced monitoring” of “sensitive products”
The affected sectors fear “unfair” competition due to different social and environmental standards, which could lead to a drop in prices in already struggling sectors.
To try to reassure, the Commission proposed at the beginning of September “reinforced” safeguard clauses, in case of a sudden increase in imports or a drop in prices, with “reinforced control” of “sensitive products.”
Failing to achieve a blocking minority within the EU, President Emmanuel Macron declared in early June that he was willing to sign at the end of 2025 under conditions. France also calls for a reinforced health control mechanism.
“It is in the light of these different elements, once the Commission has presented the final package, that we will be able to make a final decision on this agreement,” warned Benjamin Haddad on Sunday.
Source: BFM TV
