French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his opposition to the proposed trade deal between the European Union and the South American trade bloc Mercosur during a forum in Sao Paulo. Macron stated that the current deal is outdated and needs to be reworked to address climate change issues. He emphasized the importance of incorporating environmental and health standards into the agreement to make it more beneficial for both parties. Macron’s comments highlighted his strong stance against the deal, which has been met with criticism from European leaders.
Mercosur, consisting of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, is the focus of the trade negotiations with the European Union. Macron emphasized the need to consider diversity and climate concerns in any trade agreement, stating that the current negotiations do not adequately address these issues. He called for a new generation trade deal with clauses that ensure reciprocity and promote sustainable development. Macron’s remarks signaled his commitment to advocating for a more responsible trade deal that prioritizes climate and biodiversity conservation.
During his visit to Brazil, Macron had not initially planned to discuss the Mercosur-EU trade deal, but he addressed the issue during the forum in Sao Paulo. The French president’s rejection of the current deal was reinforced by Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, who also attended the event. Alckmin stressed the importance of reciprocity in trade agreements, highlighting the need for mutual benefits and market access. Macron’s call for a revamped trade deal received support from Brazilian officials and economists, who believe that the EU should open its markets further to Mercosur goods.
In his speech, Macron encouraged Brazilian companies to consider investing in France and using it as a platform to access the European market. He emphasized the potential for collaboration between France and Brazil to address the challenges of climate change and energy transition. Macron’s visit to Brazil also included a joint announcement with President Lula regarding a plan to invest 1 billion euros in the Amazon region over the next four years. The funding will support efforts to protect the rainforest, with contributions from Brazilian and French financial institutions.
The collaboration between France and Brazil on environmental initiatives reflects Macron’s commitment to promoting sustainability and conservation efforts in the Amazon region. The joint investment plan aims to address the challenges posed by deforestation and climate change, with a focus on preserving biodiversity. Macron’s visit to Brasilia for further discussions with President Lula underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing global environmental challenges. The proposed investment in the Amazon region signals a significant commitment from both countries to protect and conserve the world’s largest tropical rainforest.
