Mercosur: Euro-MPs support stricter rules for EU agriculture protection Меркосур: Евродепутатите подкрепиха по-строги правила за защита на земеделието в ЕС Translation: Mercosur: The Euro-MPs have backed stricter rules for the protection of agriculture in the EU.

The Committee on International Trade in the European Parliament (EP) adopted its position on the safeguard mechanisms for agricultural goods that will apply in connection with the trade agreement with Mercosur countries. The draft regulation, approved with 27 votes in favor, 8 against, and 7 abstentions, sets out the conditions under which the EU can temporarily suspend tariff preferences for agricultural products imported from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay if such imports cause harm to European producers. According to the MEPs, the European Commission (EC) must initiate an investigation into the need for safeguard measures when imports of sensitive products – such as poultry or beef – increase by 5% based on three-year average values (compared to the 10% annual basis proposed by the Commission). The Committee also adopted an amendment according to which the safeguards may include a requirement for reciprocity – i.e., Mercosur countries must comply with production ...