The Guardian view on the EU-Mercosur trade deal: another farmer flashpoint approaches
GuardianDEC 2024
Macron Rejects Calls From Brazil's Lula to Consider EU-Mercosur Deal
Above: Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and French President Emmanuel Macron address a joint press conference at the Élysée Presidential Palace on June 5, 2025. Image copyright: Christophe Petit Tesson/Contributor/Pool/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
This deal represents Europe's best chance to diversify trade partnerships and counter rising protectionism from both the U.S. and China. The agreement opens massive new markets for European manufacturers and gives European consumers access to more affordable products, and the deal also includes strong environmental and human rights safeguards.
Narrative B
The deal exposes European farmers to unfair competition and could devastate the bloc's agriculture by flooding markets with products produced under lower environmental and labor standards. Brussels put corporate profits over food sovereignty and environmental protection, undermining decades of progress on sustainability standards.