Poland has declared its opposition to the current terms of the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement. Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on Tuesday that the government would not support the deal, citing significant concerns related to agriculture. The draft government resolution, prepared by the Ministry of Development and Technology, was discussed during a cabinet meeting. The Mercosur bloc includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Uruguay, aiming to establish a free trade zone for over 700 million people.
Resistance from Farmers and Political Leaders
The agreement, negotiated in 2019 after two decades, has faced strong protests, particularly from farmers concerned about increased competition. Discussions on the issue involved key figures, including Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and Agriculture Minister Czesław Siekierski. The government emphasized opposition to increased tariff quotas on poultry meat, labeling the deal unfavorable for Polish farmers.
Tusk highlighted that Poland is not alone in its stance, as other EU member states share similar reservations. He described the decision as a political signal that reflects widespread agricultural concerns across Europe.