Mercosur

Global developments shine a spotlight on Europe’s entrenched relationship with agricultural inputs.

Europe needs to form more partnerships to strengthen its autonomy and resist commercial coercion.

As the European Union tries to enhance its competitiveness on the global stage, balancing its trade ambitions with its sustainability goals has proven difficult. The recently delayed EU Deforestation Regulation, challenged by both internal political forces and the bloc’s external partners, is a good example. While such laws are necessary in climate mitigation efforts, the EU’s primary goal should be to reduce overconsumption and enhance self-sufficiency.

While EU leaders continue to bicker over the future of the EU-Mercosur deal, abandoning it is not the answer.