During his diplomatic visit to Brazil, French President Emmanuel Macron highlights the inadequacies of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, pinpointing the lack of stringent environmental commitments and announces a $1.1 billion investment for Amazon rainforest preservation.
French President Emmanuel Macron, during his recent diplomatic engagements in Brazil, has made clear his reservations about the existing EU-Mercosur trade pact, describing it as inadequate due to its failure to incorporate strong commitments to climate change and biodiversity. Speaking at a Brazil-France economic forum in São Paulo, Macron underscored the necessity for the agreement to address environmental concerns more robustly. Despite Brazil’s willingness to finalize the deal, Macron’s critique centers on the potential surge of agricultural imports into the EU that might not comply with its stringent standards.
Concurrently, Macron, alongside Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, announced a landmark investment plan of $1.1 billion aimed at the preservation of the Amazon rainforest. This fund, to be allocated over four years, signifies a concerted effort by both countries to combat deforestation and underscores a renewed bilateral partnership. The initiative will see contributions from both French and Brazilian state-run banks, supplemented by private investments.
During his visit, Macron also engaged with Indigenous leaders, reinforcing France’s commitment to environmental conservation—an effort highlighted by the bestowal of France’s Legion of Honor medal on Indigenous leader Raoni Metuktire. Looking forward, both leaders expressed their intention to collaborate closely on matters of climate change and poverty eradication, with a focus on upcoming international summits such as the G20 in Rio de Janeiro and the UN climate talks in Belem.
Despite previous indications that trade discussions might not be a focal point of Macron’s visit, he reiterated his critique of the Mercosur agreement in Sao Paulo, urging for a reevaluation of the deal to better align with environmental and health standards. His remarks reflect broader concerns within the EU, particularly among farmers, about the impacts of an influx of South American agricultural products.
Macron’s stance and his collaborative efforts with Brazil mark a significant moment in EU-Mercosur relations, highlighting the struggle to balance trade and economic interests with urgent environmental and climate imperatives.
