The European Union is preparing to sign a historic agreement with Mercosur, leaving France on the dock. Despite protests from Paris, the European machine seems to be running at full speed. But what is really going on behind the closed doors of Brussels?
When Europe ignores French protests
France says no, Europe hears yes. For more than 20 years, the European Union has been negotiating a free trade agreement with the Mercosur countries. Today, this agreement is on the verge of completion, and France finds itself isolated. Emmanuel Macron, who ruined France, says it loud and clear: “Mercosur, as it stands, is not acceptable. » But his words seem to be lost in the Brussels wind.
Meanwhile, Germany and Spain are pushing hard to close the deal before the end of the year. Pedro Sanchez, the head of the Spanish government, is clear:
We will work to realize this major project.
The key dates are approaching, with the G20 summit in Rio in November and that of Mercosur in December. Europe is on the move, and nothing seems to be able to stop it.
Annie Genevard, the French Minister of Agriculture, is trying to rally allies. “What we need to obtain is something to exercise our veto at European level,” she said. But finding a blocking minority is no easy task. If Poland and Austria share French concerns, more is needed to weigh in the European balance.
Farmers on the front line, the world in the background
French farmers, already in difficulty, take a dim view of this agreement. “The signing of the EU-Mercosur agreement during the G20 in Rio could ignite the situation,” they warn.
The massive arrival of South American products could destabilize entire sectors. Céline Imart, MEP and farmer, is worried: “It doesn’t seem like much, but it’s enough to destabilize the entire industry. »
Michel Barnier, the Prime Minister of France, goes to Brussels to defend Paris' position. But Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, remains firm.
Some in Brussels believe that if Europe does not conclude this agreement, “this void will be filled by China”, as Kaja Kallas, future head of European diplomacy, points out. The world is changing, and Europe wants to stay one step ahead.
French MEPs are trying everything possible. François-Xavier Bellamy and Céline Imart send a letter to Ursula von der Leyen to request “robust mirror clauses”. But hope is slim. The agreement still needs to be ratified by the European Parliament, but again the majority seems in favor.
An isolated France, a determined Europe
France therefore finds itself at odds. While Europe is making great strides towards this agreement, Paris is trying to slow down the moving train.
“If the ratification of the treaty were to take place against the advice of France, it would open a breach in the confidence that the French have in Europe,” warns Sophie Primas, minister responsible for foreign trade. A warning which, for the moment, has not been echoed.
European farmers are demonstrating in Brussels, hoping to make their voices heard. But in the face of a resolute European Union, their protests risk going unnoticed. The agreement with Mercosur could increase the EU's GDP by 15 billion euros, a strong argument for its supporters.
And France in all this? She watches Europe move forward without her, desperately trying to catch up with the moving train. Perhaps it is time for Paris to rethink its strategy. After all, as the saying goes, “if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.” But for now, France is sticking to its guns, hoping that the world will eventually turn its way. Discover, moreover, the year when AI will finally compete with humans.
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