A preliminary analysis of these new texts indicates that the clauses added at the EU’s request are in no way sufficient to effectively prevent the anticipated health and environmental impacts arising from the implementation of the trade agreement.
This explainer cuts through the political rhetoric and takes a look at what the EU Commission doesn’t want you to know about the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement.
Key elements include a “rebalancing mechanism” to be deployed in disputes where policy impinges on trade, along with a provision that would allow the trade deal to be suspended if one party is found to have violated the Paris climate accord.
The strategic importance of lithium is likely to have played a major role in the European Union’s blockbuster deal with Brazil, Argentina and three other South American countries, analysts say.
As an EU-Mercosur deal was reached after 25 years, it faces one last stumbling block: member state approval and Poland hopes Italy will play a part in blocking the deal.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said a free-trade deal with South America's Mercosur bloc is "in sight" but faces resistance ahead of a two-day summit in Uruguay.