Slovenian farmers oppose EU-Mercosur agreement
An organisation safeguarding the interests of Slovenian farmers is against a free trade agreement between the EU and four Mercosur countries - Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Urging the government to take a stand against the deal, the organisation's members will voice their protest on Monday afternoon by lighting symbolic fires, CE Report quotes STA.
The Slovenian Farmers' Union argues that the EU-Mercosur trade agreement poses a significant threat to local agricultural practices, food safety standards, and environmental protection efforts. Members contend that increased imports of agricultural products from the Mercosur countries, often produced under less stringent regulations, could undermine the competitiveness of Slovenian farmers and flood the market with cheaper alternatives.
In addition to economic concerns, the organization highlights environmental risks associated with the deal. Critics point to deforestation and unsustainable farming practices in Mercosur countries, which they argue contradict the EU's Green Deal and climate commitments.
The symbolic fires, to be lit across various rural areas, are intended to draw public attention to what farmers view as the EU’s prioritization of trade over sustainability and the livelihood of European farmers. Organizers hope the protest will pressure the Slovenian government to align with other EU member states that oppose the agreement.
The EU-Mercosur trade deal, which has been in negotiation for over 20 years, aims to eliminate trade barriers and foster economic cooperation. However, it has faced significant pushback from environmentalists, labor groups, and agricultural unions across Europe, who fear its negative impact on local industries and global climate goals.
Slovenia's government has yet to announce its official position, but Monday's protest is expected to intensify debates over the nation's stance on the contentious trade pact.
