Hattmannsdorfer under pressure: Veto demanded against Mercosur Agreement!

Hattmannsdorfer under pressure: Veto demanded against Mercosur Agreement!

The focus is on the current trade agreements, in particular the EU Mercosurage Agreement, as part of the EU Handelsminister Council. According to [oekonews.at] (https://www2.oekonews.at/eu-handelsministerrat-kein-- Fuer-Minister-Hattmannsdorfer-Beim-Mercosur-Veto+2400+1226866), the EU Commission is committed to a political agreement among the Member States. Economic Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer sees himself under pressure to represent the Austrian veto against the agreement in Brussels. According to a parliamentary decision, he is obliged to take measures to prevent the conclusion of the agreement. This situation carries the risk that Hattmannsdorfer undermines the democratic foundations, he should ignore this obligation.

The "act differently" platform, which supports numerous NGOs, encourages Hattmannsdorfer to work for a fairer and ecologically sustainable form of global trade. The criticism of the agreement is numerous, especially with regard to possible environmental destruction and the exploitation of indigenous communities. Nevertheless, the agreement is considered advantageous for large corporations, and fundamental problems that go back to a mandate from 1999 remain unsolved.

background and goal of the agreement

The EU Mercosur Agreement, which has been negotiated for more than 20 years, aims at reducing tariffs and intensifying trade relationships. According to Deutschlandfunk, the agreement could create one of the largest free trade areas in the world, which affects over 720 million people and represents 20% of the global economy.

Despite the economic advantages, there are concerns about the protection of local markets and standards in Europe and South America. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Chancellor Olaf Scholz have confirmed their will to implement the agreement. An additional protocol is currently being negotiated to address environmental and social issues.

Current developments and challenges

Especially in connection with the different course of individual EU countries, there are uncertainties about the planned conclusion of the agreement. France expresses concerns about biodiversity and the climate. In addition, the agreement is under the influence of political changes in Argentina, where the newly elected President Javier Milei could possibly have a free trade course, but also indicated an exit from the Mercosur.

The NGOs that are against the agreement warn of possible negative effects on climate, human rights and the environment, in particular regarding the exports of beef and the use of pesticides. These concerns are also made clear by organizations such as Misereor and Greenpeace, which critically indicate the challenges that the contract could bring.

In summary, it should be noted that the negotiations and political aspirations about the EU Mercosurous Agreement are characterized by enormous complexity. The will for cooperation is available, but there are also profound resistance that could endanger the agreement of the agreement. According to [Europa.eu] (https://germany.represation.ec.europa.eu/eu-und-mercosur-kuss- zu-Klimaschutz- and-handelsehungs-20-12-15_de) EU and Mercosur are still committed to the principles of climate protection and the effort for a fair trade.

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OrtBrüssel, Belgien
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