France Will Vote Against EU-Mercosur Trade Deal, Macron Says

PARIS, Jan 9 (Bernama-dpa) -- France will vote against the European Union’s long-delayed trade agreement with four South American countries at a meeting on Friday in Brussels, President Emmanuel Macron said, even as the bloc moves toward finalising the deal.

Despite what he described as "undeniable" improvements made at France's urging, Macron said the agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur countries — Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay — faces "unanimous" political opposition in France, as reflected in recent debates in the National Assembly and Senate.

"In this context, France will vote against the signing of the agreement," Macron said in a Thursday statement, reported German news agency dpa.

France supports international trade, he added, but described the EU-Mercosur pact as "an agreement from another age," negotiated for too long on outdated foundations. 

The deal would have only a limited impact on economic growth in France and the EU, he said, which did not justify exposing the sensitive agricultural sector to increased competition.

French farmers have strongly opposed the deal, warning of disproportionate competition from cheaper South American imports.

EU representatives are set to meet in Brussels on Friday to pave the way for the signing and conclusion of the free trade agreement. A qualified majority in favour of the deal is expected to be secured in a vote.

Countries that have expressed opposition include Poland, France, Hungary, Ireland and Austria, but together they do not form a blocking minority.

--BERNAMA-dpa