• Macron labeled the EU's move to apply the Mercosur trade deal as a "bad surprise."
• The Mercosur agreement aims to cut tariffs and benefit the EU economy.
• French farmers fear increased competition from cheaper imports.

On February 27, President Emmanuel Macron criticized the European Commission's decision to provisionally apply the Mercosur trade deal, labeling it a "bad surprise" for France. Macron expressed his discontent, stating that the Commission's unilateral decision disregards the European Parliament's position, which has yet to vote on the agreement. He pointed out that this move indicates "bad manners" toward European lawmakers, further emphasizing his commitment to uphold France's agricultural interests amidst this new trade arrangement, according to Le Monde.

The EU's decision allows the trade deal with the South American Mercosur bloc to take effect before full approval from EU governments and the European Parliament, primarily due to French legislators challenging the agreement in court. Macron reiterated France's concerns, stating that the agreement risks flooding the market with cheaper imports, thus undermining domestic agricultural production. This sentiment reflects broader concerns within the French agricultural sector, which fears that the deal could lead to significant losses, according to Reuters and AA.

While the EU hopes to leverage this trade deal—which has been in negotiation for over 25 years—to strengthen economic ties and offset losses in other markets, Macron's administration has strongly criticized this approach. The French President articulated that he would not support agreements that imposed stringent regulations on French producers while allowing lax standards for imports. His statements come in the wake of the European Commission's confirmation that several Mercosur countries have begun ratifying the agreement, with the provisional application now deemed legally permissible, according to Le Monde and AA.

Moreover, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen defended the decision, framing the Mercosur agreement as critical for European strategic interests and potential economic benefits, such as reduced tariffs on EU exports. However, considerable opposition persists within France, where agricultural industry representatives stress that the government must protect local farmers from increased competition that undermines their livelihoods. The ongoing debate reflects a larger conflict within the EU regarding balancing trade ambitions with the welfare of domestic industries, according to Reuters and AA.