Internal divisions force Belgium to abstain from EU-Mercosur vote

Belgium will have to abstain from voting on the new EU-Mercosur free trade agreement because its various governments have not reached a consensus, the country's federal minister of agriculture announced on Tuesday.

The European Commission has been negotiating with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay for years on a free trade agreement that would create the world's largest free trade zone. 

The negotiations were concluded at the end of last year, but the agreement still requires the approval of the European member states and the European Parliament before it can provisionally take effect.

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However, the deal is particularly sensitive for the European agricultural sector, which fears it will face unfair competition from the South American trading bloc. EU member states France, Italy and Poland are reluctant to sign the agreement.

A qualified majority is required for the agreement to provisionally enter into force. In order to block the agreement, at least four member states representing at least 35 per cent of the European population must vote against it.

Limited support

Support is also limited in Belgium. The Walloon government opposes the Mercosur agreement, and there is no consensus among the coalition partners at the federal and Flemish levels.

As unanimity among all the country's governments is required to adopt a Belgian position, the country will abstain from the European vote, a decision officially made on Tuesday during a meeting of the various governments.

“The EU-Mercosur agreement is crucial for Belgium and Europe, both economically and geostrategically”

David Clarinval, who is both the federal minister of Agriculture and leader of the party that heads the Walloon government, said that Mercosur would benefit most industries and agricultural sectors such as dairy and potatoes. 

"At the same time," added Clarinval, "we are aware that other sectors, such as sugar and beef production, may be hit harder despite the protective clauses in place."

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'Lack of ambition'

The Federation of Belgian Companies, the country's largest employers' organisation, responded with disappointment. “The EU-Mercosur agreement is crucial for Belgium and Europe, both economically and geostrategically,” said the organisation's CEO, Pieter Timmermans. "Not supporting this agreement is a serious mistake and demonstrates a flagrant lack of ambition."

The Farmers' Union, on the other hand, has responded positively. "The agreement as it stands is unfair to farmers and deceives European consumers," said chairman Lode Ceyssens. "This agreement cannot guarantee the same sustainability and quality requirements for every product."

^{Farmers take to the streets of Brussels to protest against the EU-Mercosur trade agreement on 13 November 2024 © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}