Irish Farmers Protest EUs Mercosur Trade Deal with Strict Rules

Thousands of Irish farmers have gathered in the town of Athlone to protest against a proposed trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur, a bloc comprising Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The protesters, who held signs reading “Stop EU-Mercosur” and chanted slogans, expressed concerns about the impact of the deal on Ireland’s beef industry.

On Friday, 27 EU member states voted in favor of the agreement, with Ireland, France, Poland, Hungary, and Austria being among those that opposed it. The deal would create one of the world’s largest free-trade areas, allowing for the export of agricultural products and minerals from Mercosur countries to the EU.

Under the agreement, Mercosur countries would export goods such as beef, while the EU would export machinery, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals under reduced tariffs. Irish farmers have expressed concerns that cheaper imports from South America could disrupt their livelihoods, particularly in relation to agricultural products like beef.

The Irish Farmers’ Association has stated its opposition to the deal, describing it as “very disappointing.” The group plans to renew its efforts to stop the agreement in the European Parliament, which must still approve the accord before it can take effect. Protesters at Saturday’s demonstration echoed concerns about food quality and production standards, with some holding signs that read, “Our cows follow the rules, why don’t theirs?” and “Don’t sacrifice family farms for German cars.”

The protests come as the deal moves to a potentially tight vote in the European Parliament. While opponents have secured some concessions and compensation measures for EU farmers, Ireland and France remain committed to continuing their fight against the agreement.

Source: Al Jazeera