Paraguay’s incoming President, Santiago Peña, has voiced reservations about the current environmental requirements posed by the European Union in the ongoing free trade discussions between the EU and the South American trade bloc, Mercosur.
Pena, set to assume office next week, expressed that the EU’s propositions might hinder Paraguay’s economic growth, particularly as a leading soybean exporter.
Paraguay stands with Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay as the four key members of Mercosur.
Peña’s recent statements, the most assertive since his election win in April, highlight escalating tensions between the European and South American blocs.
Delays in reaching a consensus have largely been attributed to concerns regarding Brazil’s environmental commitments.
The European Commission responded by emphasizing its commitment to finalize the EU-Mercosur agreement by the year-end.
Countries like Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina, home to significant portions of the Amazon, the Chaco Forest, and other crucial wetlands, are primary exporters of soybeans, corn, and beef.
They have increasingly resisted the EU’s environmental stipulations, suggesting that such conditions lean towards European protectionism and could harm local production.
During a rare interview at his residence in Asuncion, Peña stated, “The EU’s current approach is simply not acceptable.”
He further added, “The European Union needs to be transparent about its intentions regarding the free trade agreement. At the moment, I’m uncertain about their genuine interest.”
Officials from Mercosur are preparing a counterproposal before meeting EU negotiators. Hopes remain high for an agreement to be reached within the year.
Pena concluded, “In our view, negotiations should conclude and the choice should be clear: Do we want this or not?”