2024-12-09 13:32 update: 2024-12-10, 17:10
Photo PAP/Rafał Guz
Poland’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is in opposition to the European Union's Mercosur agreement because it may damage the position of Polish products on European markets, the ministry has announced in a statement.
In Monday’s press release, the ministry listed three reasons for opposing the planned free trade deal between the EU and Mercosur, a group of South American nations.
"The agreement provides for too much reduction in EU tariffs and/or too high tariff quotas. We believe that the tariff preferences offered to Mercosur countries are too far-reaching in some sectors. This may cause a risk of Polish agri-food products being pushed off the EU markets by products imported from Mercosur countries," it was written.
Another reason for opposing the agreement given by the Polish ministry is the unresolved problem of importing agricultural goods produced under different conditions and production standards.
"Our demand that, as a condition for the removal of EU tariffs, products from Mercosur countries must comply with EU sustainability standards, such as climate protection, environmental, labour or animal welfare standards, among others, has been virtually unfulfilled... " it was added.
Furthermore, according to the Polish agriculture ministry, the agreement lacks provisions to ensure the effectiveness of a safeguard clause.
"The provisions of the agreement that concern the safeguard clause, that is, the possibility to temporarily reintroduce customs duties in case of excessive imports causing market distortions or damage to EU producers - are, in our opinion, not adapted to the specifics of the agricultural sector."
The ministry added that currently it has not yet been decided whether the deal will come into force. (PAP)
mj/mf
