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Blockade by French farmers against EU-Mercosur agreement, Paris and Rome want the vote postponed
2025-12-17 21:14:59 / BOTA
French farmers continue protests across the country, with blockades on highways, provincial roads and demonstrations in cities, opposing the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement, the signing of which is expected soon.
The largest agricultural union, FNSEA, has called for new protests, including a tractor march to Brussels, warning that the mobilization could last until Christmas.
The protests began after authorities ordered the slaughter of all animals in herds affected by lumpy skin disease. Although the government promised to increase vaccination, the issue has expanded to opposition to the Mercosur agreement, which farmers see as a threat to European production due to cheaper imports from South America, which they say are not subject to the same environmental and health standards as in the EU.
Public opinion seems largely on the side of farmers. 58% of French people approve of the roadblocks, while half of those polled think the state's policy of slaughtering herds is excessive. Support is particularly high in rural areas and among National Rally voters.
On the political front, France and Italy have called for a vote on the deal to be postponed until 2026, a position also supported by Hungary and Poland. Meanwhile, Germany, Spain and the Nordic countries see the deal as a way to boost exports and reduce dependence on China. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for stricter frameworks, safeguard clauses and stronger food safety controls.
The European Parliament has also called for the introduction of safeguard clauses in the agreement, adopting a resolution that foresees the temporary suspension of tariff preferences for sensitive agricultural products if imports harm EU producers. MEPs also call for faster investigations and the application of the principle of reciprocity, so that Mercosur countries respect EU production standards.
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