The Irish Government has announced that it will vote against the EU-Mercosur trade agreement in tomorrow’s EU decision, with Taoiseach and Tánaiste Simon Harris reaffirming the country’s longstanding opposition.
In a statement, Mr Harris emphasised that Ireland’s position “has always been clear” and that recent additional measures negotiated by the EU “are not sufficient to satisfy our citizens.” He added: “So our position stands. We will vote against the agreement.”, reports RTE.
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The deal, if approved, would establish the world’s largest free-trade zone, potentially boosting EU exports to Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) by up to 39%, adding €49 billion to the European economy amid global trade uncertainties.
However, opposition has grown due to concerns over impacts on EU agriculture, particularly competition from lower-cost South American beef imports. The vote was previously delayed in December amid resistance from countries including France, Italy, Poland, and Ireland.
In a related development, French farmers staged widespread protests today, blockading roads into Paris, including the Champs-Élysées and areas around the Arc de Triomphe, in opposition to the deal. Union representative Stephane Pelletier described farmers as feeling “between resentment and despair” and “abandoned.”
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