The Brazilian ambassador to the EU, Pedro Miguel da Costa e Silva, has pushed back hard against criticism of the EU–Mercosur trade deal, calling concerns over its impact on Europe’s farm sector “disinformation”.
“I think there is a lot of misperception, a lot of disinformation, a lot of fake news, about the quality [of food], like we’re going to poison the citizens of the EU … which, of course, makes no sense,” he said at a European Commission trade policy conference on Thursday.
His comments come amid continued pressure from EU farmers and politicians who warn that cheaper Mercosur products, produced under what they claim are lower standards, would undercut European producers.
Silva stressed that both the EU and Mercosur – comprising Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay – are “agricultural superpowers”.
“There are no small players or victims here,” he said, insisting the blocs are “trading on equal terms,” and that Mercosur countries already comply with EU rules as major suppliers of agri-food products. “If we didn’t comply, we wouldn’t be in the market.”
‘Level playing field’ not in Mercosur’s favour
He dismissed allegations of an uneven playing field, arguing that Mercosur farmers receive far fewer subsidies than their European counterparts. “There is an issue of level playing field here, but it’s against us, not in our favour.”
Addressing concerns that the agreement could limit the EU’s ability to introduce new environmental legislation – an argument some MEPs are planning to use to challenge the deal before the EU Court of Justice – he said it “will not change the possibility of the countries to regulate and protect human, animal or plant health”.
He said that Brazil mainly exports coffee and soy – products the EU barely produces – while sensitive sectors are protected through quotas and the reinforced safeguards unveiled by the Commission in September.
“There will be a lot of opportunities for EU farmers on the other side. We made a lot of concessions in sensitive sectors, for us … wine, dairy, but a lot of other products,” he said.
EU member states approved the safeguard package on Wednesday without changes to the Commission proposal, while MEPs will vote on it in December. As for the trade deal itself, the week of 15 December will be decisive: EU governments are expected to give their green light before Commission President Ursula von der Leyen travels to Brazil on 20 December to seal the agreement with Mercosur leaders.
(adm, aw)
