France, one of the biggest agricultural producers in the EU has vowed to push back against what most European farmers have dubbed a 'controversial deal' with Mercosur countries, following the approval of the trade agreement in Brussels this morning at a COREPER (permanent representatives) meeting, paving the way for green light at leaders level.
Despite mass protests across European capitals and major cities last month, EC President Ursula Von Der Layen, got the majority she was looking for at member states level after Italy switched to the Yes camp at the last minute during negotiations.
The agreement opens up the prospect of wide ranging trade exchanges between Europe and Latin America, which local producers say will cut the crisis ridden European sector open, including the fact that requirements, standards and conditions will not be the same for Latin American states.
According to reports, France, Poland, Austria, Ireland and Hungary, all major agricultural producers, voted against the deal, while Belgium abstained.
SOURCE-ATHENS NEWS AGENCY