Takac: Slovakia Will Support Trade Deal with Mercosur

Brussels, 7 January (TASR-correspondent) - Even though Hungary and Poland remain opposed to signing a trade deal with Mercosur countries, Slovakia will support it, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Richard Takac (Smer-SD) said on Wednesday in Brussels, TASR has learnt from its Brussels correspondent. Takac attended the talks between EU agriculture ministers and three EU commissioners to discuss the future of EU's agriculture sector and food security, as well as the trade agreement with Mercosur. According to him, this issue can be viewed from two perspectives. "As a member of the government representing the Slovak Republic, I can say the agreement is beneficial for us, and I see several positive aspects to it. On the other hand, as Agriculture Minister, I must say that there are several risks and open questions that we have highlighted, for instance in terms of the trade agreement with Ukraine or quotas," explained Takac. During the meeting in Brussels, Takac also emphasised the need for safeguards for the agricultural sector within the Mercosur deal and called for guarantees that inspections be conducted on a monthly basis, as the quality of imported products needs to be checked in order to protect the EU's agriculture sector. According to him, even larger EU member states voiced their reservations, but the deal will likely be approved on Friday (9 January) during the meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper). The European Commission hopes to see the EU sign the trade agreement with Mercosur at the beginning of next week, on 12 January. jrg