Discussions about a possible EU-Mercosur agreement have flared up again in Austria. The non-governmental organization ‘Anders Handel’ recently warned that the European Commission could use a ‘procedural trick’ to undermine the necessary consent of Member States. The controversial free trade agreement has been under negotiation for years. Paraguay has now set a definitive deadline.
President Santiago Pena announced on Monday that negotiations would end if there was no agreement by December 6. Brazil then hands over the bloc’s presidency to Paraguay. “If there is no graduation ceremony, I will not continue next semester,” Pena told reporters. Instead, he will use the time to work on other trade deals, which should quickly lead to success. Pena specifically referred to Singapore and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Before coming to power in August, Pena criticized the conduct of talks between the EU and Mercosur. The EU has shown with its proposals that it has no real interest in progress, he told Reuters.
The Austrian government promised no
The Mercosur states have recently shown themselves divided over the environmental rules introduced by the EU. Both blocs agreed on a trade deal in 2019. However, it is on hold. Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay are full members of Mercosur, and Bolivia is a candidate for membership. The aim is to create a common market similar to that in the EU.
The Austrian government has committed to say no to the agreement based on a resolution in the National Council.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
