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Polish President Andrzej Duda has expressed his opposition to the trade agreement between the European Union and the South American trade bloc Mercosur, highlighting concerns that the deal would create unfair competition for Polish farmers. The agreement, which has been in negotiations for over two decades, aims to liberalize trade by cutting tariffs on a wide range of goods, including agricultural products. However, Duda’s remarks underscore growing resistance within the EU, particularly from agricultural sectors in countries like Poland, France, and Ireland, who fear that an influx of cheaper South American goods could harm their domestic markets.
The EU-Mercosur agreement, if ratified, would form one of the world’s largest free trade areas. While proponents argue that it would boost economic growth and create new opportunities for European industries, opponents point to environmental concerns in South America and the potential negative impact on European agriculture. President Duda’s stance reflects a broader political and economic debate within the EU about balancing trade liberalization with the protection of key domestic industries and environmental standards. The future of the deal remains uncertain as it requires ratification by all EU member states.
Sources:
European Commission – EU-Mercosur trade agreement
Reuters – French farmers’ protests cast shadow over EU-Mercosur trade deal
