The European Union (EU) and Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) reached an agreement on a free trade deal in June 2019. This agreement has been hailed by supporters as a major achievement for both regions, but some groups have raised concerns over how it will impact the environment.
The agreement includes provisions to reduce tariffs on a variety of goods, including agricultural products, which has led to concerns over deforestation in the Amazon rainforest. Brazil is one of the largest producers of beef in the world, and the new agreement will likely lead to an increase in exports to Europe. Environmentalists worry that this will lead to even more deforestation, as farmers clear more land to make room for cattle.
In addition to the environmental concerns surrounding the agriculture industry, the agreement also includes a provision that would allow for more foreign investment in the Mercosur countries. This could lead to an increase in mining and other extractive industries, which often have negative environmental impacts. Some have also expressed concern over the potential for increased use of fossil fuels in transportation as trade between the two regions grows.
There are, however, some positive environmental aspects of the agreement. The EU and Mercosur have committed to promoting sustainable development and protecting the environment. The agreement includes provisions for cooperation on issues such as climate change, biodiversity, and the circular economy. It also includes a chapter on trade and sustainable development, which outlines commitments to protect labor rights and promote social and environmental standards.
In order to ensure that the environment is protected and sustainable development is promoted under the new agreement, both the EU and Mercosur will need to carefully monitor and enforce environmental regulations. This will require cooperation between governments, businesses, and civil society groups.
Furthermore, the agreement still needs to be ratified by both the EU and Mercosur before it can go into effect. In Europe, there has been significant opposition to the deal from farmers and environmental groups, so there is a chance that it may not be approved. If the agreement is ratified, it will still take several years for it to be fully implemented.
Overall, the EU-Mercosur agreement has the potential to benefit both regions economically, but it will be important to ensure that the environment is not sacrificed in the process. This will require careful monitoring and enforcement of environmental regulations, as well as a commitment to sustainable development.