EU to cut fertilizer tariffs to push through agreement with Mercosur

The EU has proposed reducing tariffs on fertilizers and temporarily suspending the carbon border tax in order to push through a free trade agreement with Mercosur. This move is intended to win the support of member states and appease opponents, notably France and Italy, which blocked the agreement in December due to farmers' concerns about cheap competition.

The Commission is now offering a €45 billion aid package for farmers, which could persuade Italy to change its position. France, on the other hand, insists that the trade agreement poses a long-term threat to the agricultural sector and refuses to support it.

While Poland and Hungary are against it, Ireland is considering supporting it but is demanding specific guarantees to protect its producers. According to the Commission, this is the EU's largest trade agreement, important for exports affected by US tariffs and for reducing dependence on China.

The vote among member states is scheduled for Friday, followed by a decision by the European Parliament.

(reuters, pir)