KDH Calls on Government to Demand Postponement in Signing EU-Mercosur Trade Deal

Bratislava, 9 January (TASR) - The Christian Democrats (KDH) on Friday called on the government to demand a postponement in signing the upcoming EU-Mercosur trade deal during negotiations because, despite being beneficial for industry in Slovakia and the EU, its current wording undermines food security and poses a threat to European farmers, TASR reported on the same day. The European Commission plans to sign the agreement on Monday (12 January). According to KDH, Slovakia currently supports the deal, which is a stance that KDH finds incomprehensible. KDH Deputy Chair Viliam Karas emphasised that the Mercosur agreement is a decision that will have a direct impact on public health and food safety. "Supporting this agreement, which for no good reason allows food and primary agricultural products to enter Slovakia's internal market from countries not bound by EU's food safety rules - and definitely not by strict EU law in several key areas, clearly demonstrates that the governing coalition doesn't care about the lives and health of the Slovak people," stated Karas, referring to experience with imports from third countries, such as when grain containing substances banned in the EU has been placed on the market. Antibiotics for animals without prescription or examination is common practice in Mercosur countries. In addition, the state lacks the capacity and funding to check imported food more thoroughly, added Karas. According to KDH Deputy Chair Marian Caucik, the point is that European consumers and farmers shouldn't be exposed to the risk of such foodstuffs being placed on the market. "In order for the deal with Mercosur to be acceptable, a level playing field must be guaranteed," said Caucik, adding that public health and domestic production could be at stake if the market is opened up to cheap imports. After talks between EU agriculture ministers on the future of the EU's agriculture sector and food security, as well as the trade agreement with Mercosur, were held in Brussels on Wednesday (6 January), Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Richard Takac (Smer-SD) said that Slovakia would support the deal, although he also admitted certain risks, as he views this issue from two perspectives. "As a member of the government representing the Slovak Republic, I can say that 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 unresolved questions that we've highlighted; for instance, in terms of the trade agreement with Ukraine or quotas," said Takac. jrg/df