French Finance Minister says Mercosur trade deal should not be signed
Agricultural products, especially beef, do not meet EU standards, he said
31 January 2024
1 minute read
By: French Finance Minister Le Maire said on Wednesday during an interview on French radio CNews/Europe 1 that the Mercosur trade deal should not be signed, reported Reuters.
France has repeatedly expressed reservations about the EU-Mercosur deal and said its farmers, who are now protesting over grievances, have objected to the prospect it could allow in agricultural products, notably beef, that do not meet strict EU standards.
The European Commission on Tuesday rejected a French view that Brussels had put an end to talks with Mercosur, saying it was still aiming to conclude a free trade agreement with the South American bloc.
