Laura Van Lerberghe / Credits: Jean-Michel Delage / Hans Lucas / Hans Lucas via AFP 07:00, February 1, 2024, modified at 07:01, February 1, 2024

While the anger of farmers does not weaken in France, the mobilization is also present in Brussels. Hundreds of tractors converged on the European capital to express general fed up with, among French demands, the calling into question of the agreement with Mercosur. But how does Brussels perceive these French requests? 

While an exceptional summit of the 27 is taking place in Brussels, the agricultural subject has taken on particular importance. But how are French requests, which particularly relate to the free trade agreement with Mercosur or even fallowing, received?

The European Commission is ready for an arrangement regarding the rule of 4% of land to be set aside. She is also prepared to reinstate customs duties for sugar, wheat and chicken coming from Ukraine in the event of excessive volumes. But there is a red line, it is the free trade agreement with Mercosur. The draft agreement with the Latin American bloc (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay) is in fact strongly criticized by farmers who see it as unfair competition.

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Finding a point of understanding with Germany

The treaty is important for Germany, especially for the export of its cars. As a result, against the treaty, France can only count on a few allies, including Poland, Ireland and Austria. Difficult fight since the European Commission is in favor of continuing negotiations.

"The European Union continues to pursue its objective of reaching an agreement which respects the EU's objectives in terms of sustainability and which respects our sensitivities, particularly in the agricultural field", explains Eric Mamer, spokesperson for the European Commission. The main challenge for France is therefore to succeed in convincing other countries, such as Sweden and Spain, to join its camp and to find a point of understanding with Germany.