Significant changes for the agricultural sector and consumers in Greece are brought by the agreement between the European Union and Mercosur, sparking intense discussions and concerns. The agreement is expected to be signed on Saturday (17/1), with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen traveling to Paraguay for this purpose and aims to reduce tariffs and deepen trade ties between the EU and Mercosur, which includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.
Supporters of the agreement argue it will boost exports, investments and strategic ties on both sides of the Atlantic, while critics within Europe have expressed concerns about environmental standards, agricultural competition and enforcement mechanisms. Saturday’s signing is expected to pave the way for ratification processes in both EU member states and Mercosur member states, a step that may face political challenges in several European capitals.
EU-Mercosur agreement: What it means for Greece
Regarding our country, the agreement opens new prospects for exports of high value-added Greek products, such as olive oil, feta cheese, olives and wine, particularly those with PDO and PGI certifications. At the same time, it is estimated that the international recognition of Greek cuisine could be strengthened.
More specifically, according to the report by Elisavet Stamopoulou for parapolitika.gr the EU-Mercosur partnership agreement means that:
-Greek businesses and small enterprises will find their business activities in Mercosur countries much easier.
-Greek companies can offer services more easily and cheaply.
-Greek producers (of industrial products and food) and farmers can export more.
-Greek delicacies will sell more and at premium prices.
Trade is important for Greece’s economy.
-631,000 jobs in Greece are supported by Greek exports and EU exports to the rest of the world.
-Essentially this concerns 1 in 8 jobs.
This additionally involves the export of Greek wines. Furthermore, among the clauses included in the Mercosur agreement, the protection of 20 PDO products emerges as essential.
Mercosur agreement: What are the 20 PDO products
Thus, despite the Mercosur agreement, 20 PDO products remain untouched. What are these?
* Kalamata Olives
* Kalamata Olive Oil
* Kefalotyri Cheese
* Kolymvari Chania Crete Olive Oil
* Amfissa Conservolia Olives
* Corinthian Raisin Vostizza
* Kozani Saffron
* Lygourio Asklepios Olive Oil
* Manouri Cheese
* Chios Mastic
* Sitia Lasithi Crete Olive Oil
* Feta Cheese
* Amyntaio Wine
* Mantinia Wine
* Naoussa Wine
* Nemea Wine
* Retsina of Attica
* Samos Wine
* Santorini Wine
* Tsipouro
Farmers’ concerns about the EU & Mercosur agreement
However, farmers express strong concern about the increase in cheap imports, mainly in meat, cereals and sugar, which may make price competition difficult. These pressures are expected to mainly affect the income of small and medium producers.
For consumers, the agreement may lead to lower prices on products like meat and animal feed, as well as greater variety of goods on market shelves. At the same time, however, concerns are raised about food quality and safety, as well as the use of pesticides in the countries of origin of imported products.
