Latest Mercosur move 'deeply troubling' - Sinn Féin leader
The Sinn Féin leader has said that the government cannot "stand idle" following the decision by the European Commission to provisionally apply the EU-Mercosur trade agreement.
Mary Lou McDonald said the commission's decision is “deeply troubling and far-reaching move” and also raises serious democratic, economic and public interest concerns for Ireland.
Argentina and Uruguay yesterday (February 26) became the first Mercosur countries to ratify the deal.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told a press conference today (Friday, February 27) that "Brazil and Paraguay are expected to follow soon".
"Provisional application is, by its nature – provisional. It is right there in the name.
"In line with the EU Treaties, the agreement can only be fully concluded once the European Parliament has given its consent," President von der Leyen said.
Mercosur
However Deputy McDonald said the commission's decision to go ahead with the provisional application of the Mercosur Agreement "represents a significant moment for the European Union and for Ireland".She added: “The European Parliament has already referred elements of this agreement to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
"To attempt to implement the deal while that legal process is underway undermines confidence in democratic oversight and respect for the rule of law.
“This is not a technical procedural matter. It is a decision with real consequences for Irish farmers, rural communities, consumers and the integrity of EU decision-making itself,annot be expected to compete on an uneven playing field".
Family farms
According to Deputy McDonald Ireland's family farms "cannot be expected to compete on an uneven playing field".
“Recent concerns raised at EU level regarding the enforcement of standards in Mercosur countries only heighten the need for caution.
"Where there is doubt about compliance with EU rules, the appropriate response is scrutiny - not acceleration.
“The Irish government cannot remain passive in the face of this development. Expressions of concern are not enough. Ministers must now take a clear and public position and work with other member states to halt the provisional application of this agreement until the fourt has ruled and the European Parliament has given its consent," the Sinn Féin leader said.
