Macron says Mercosur agreement hurts European interests

French President Emmanuel Macron has sharply criticised the European Commission’s decision to move forward with a free trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc, arguing that the move undermines the interests of European citizens and farmers.

According to Le Figaro, Macron expressed dissatisfaction after the Commission proceeded with implementing the agreement even though it has not yet been ratified by the European Parliament. Speaking on Friday, the French leader described the step as both a mistake and an unpleasant surprise for France.

Macron emphasised that European policymakers bear a particular responsibility toward farmers, many of whom have voiced serious concerns that the deal could expose them to unfair competition. He also underlined broader institutional concerns, stating: “It is also a matter of great responsibility to European citizens and their representatives, who have not been shown the respect they deserve.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the launch of the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement on February 27. The accord entered into force after ratification by Uruguay and Argentina on February 26, despite the fact that approval from the European Parliament is still pending. Lawmakers have already referred the agreement to the European Union’s top court shortly after it was signed in January.

France has been at the forefront of opposition to the deal, unsuccessfully attempting to block it over fears that European farmers could be undercut by cheaper agricultural imports from Brazil and other South American producers. The French government warned last month that any provisional implementation without parliamentary approval would amount to a “democratic violation.”

Negotiated over roughly 25 years, the agreement between the European Union and the four founding Mercosur members — Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay — would create one of the world’s largest free trade areas. The pact removes tariffs on more than 90% of trade between the two blocs, which together represent around 30% of global GDP and a market exceeding 700 million consumers.

Opposition among farmers remains strong across Europe. Demonstrations have taken place in several countries, including Spain, where protesters rallied in Madrid earlier this month. The European Commission, however, maintains that producers’ concerns have been addressed through safeguard mechanisms. Von der Leyen argued the agreement offers “countless opportunities,” adding: “It allows our small- and medium-sized businesses to access markets and scale they could only dream of before.”

Under the deal, Mercosur countries are expected to expand exports of agricultural products and minerals to the EU, while the 27-member bloc would increase shipments of machinery, chemicals and pharmaceuticals under reduced tariffs.

By Tamilla Hasanova