France’s Macron says EU-Mercosur proposal is ‘very bad deal’ on visit to Brazil

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday during his visit to Brazil that a potential trade agreement between the European Union and the South American Mercosur bloc as it currently stands is a “very bad deal” and more work on climate is needed.
“As it is negotiated today, it is a very bad deal, for you and for us,” Macron told businessmen in Sao Paulo while on a three-day trip to Latin America’s largest economy, amid talks over a trade deal between the European Union and Mercosur.
Macron said, “There is nothing that takes into consideration the subject of biodiversity and climate; nothing. Let’s forge a new deal in light of our goals and reality, a trade deal that is responsible on development, climate and biodiversity.”
While Brazil has said it is ready to sign a deal, France has repeatedly expressed reservations and said its farmers have objected to the prospect that could allow in agricultural imports, notably beef, that do not meet strict EU standards.