The European Council has recently approved a trade deal with the Mercosur countries, which include Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. This agreement has sparked a debate, especially among farmers and agricultural groups.
Negotiations began way back in 1999, and now the deal has moved forward. However, several countries, including Ireland, France, Poland, Austria, and Hungary, voted against it, while Belgium chose to abstain. The next stop is a vote in the European Parliament, expected soon.
Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, sees this agreement as a new chapter in EU-Mercosur relations. She stressed the importance of protecting European farmers, stating that the deal includes strong safeguards. “We have heard the concerns of our farmers and agricultural sector and we have acted on them,” she said. Import controls will also be tightened to ensure compliance.
On the other hand, some farmer groups feel differently. Copa and Cogeca, representing farmers in the EU, labeled the deal as unbalanced. The Association of Poultry Processors and Poultry Trade (AVEC) warned that the agreement could lead to intense pressure on EU producers, who must adhere to strict food safety and animal welfare standards.
The deal is expected to boost agricultural imports to the EU, particularly beef, which raises alarms about food safety and consumer confidence. Glenn Cuddy, deputy president of the Ulster Farmers’ Union, voiced concerns about the potential health risks of consuming imported meats that might not meet EU standards. “This opens the door to lower-quality imports, which can harm family farms,” he said.
The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association expressed disappointment, stating that the agreement would allow imports produced under standards banned in Europe. Sean McNamara, ICSA president, emphasized the risks of greenlighting products that may not meet the same safety criteria as those from local farmers.
However, not everyone opposes the trade deal. In late 2025, the European Dairy Association endorsed the negotiations, viewing them as a way to foster growth opportunities for European exports. Several groups, including Spirits Europe, argue the agreement could benefit the EU by providing essential raw materials for food and drink industries.
Recent surveys show that while many farmers are apprehensive, there is a growing belief that trade deals can pave the way for innovation and collaboration. A 2022 report by the European Commission indicated that well-negotiated trade agreements can increase GDP and create jobs in various sectors.
As the deal moves to the European Parliament, it’s clear that opinions are divided. The outcome will significantly impact both European farmers and consumers, shaping the future of agriculture in the EU. For further reading on trade agreements and their implications, check out the European Commission’s comprehensive guide on trade policies and agreements.
