D. Trump's actions push the EU towards an agreement with Mercosur
As early as this Wednesday, the European Commission could publish the texts of the EU's agreements with Mercosur and Mexico, according to the influential website „Politico“. These agreements have so far been the subject of strong opposition from EU countries ranging from France to Lithuania.
Both agreements are part of Brussels' efforts to open up new markets and diversify exports in the context of increasingly tense trade relations with China and the US.
U.S. President Donald Trump has effectively forced the bloc to accept substantially increased tariffs, as well as other commitments that could have a significant negative impact on EU countries.
„Six people familiar with the Commission's plans, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the discussion, told „Politico“ that a deal with the „Mercosur“ bloc has been put on the agenda to be approved at Wednesday's weekly meeting of EU commissioners, provided that there are no last-minute changes,“ „Politico“ reports.
An updated version of the EU-Mexico trade deal will also be discussed at Wednesday's meeting, according to several of the individuals.
The texts of these agreements will then be sent to the EU countries for formal approval. It is also said that a qualified majority in the Council of the EU and a majority in the European Parliament may be sufficient to ratify the agreements. In other words, the agreements will not need to be approved by national parliaments.
France is particularly opposed to the agreement, as it sees it as a threat to the beef and poultry meat markets. Poland is also fiercely opposed to the agreement. However, it is possible that these influential EU countries may be able to negotiate some exemptions.
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