The government approved on Tuesday the memorandum through which Romania will sign the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement, despite a negative opinion from the Ministry of Agriculture.
The decision allows the signing of the trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur states – Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
The Government's spokesperson, Ioana Dogioiu, explained that Romania will sign the document "in the national interest," followed by the ratification procedure in Parliament.
After signing, the agreement is expected to be provisionally applied starting from May 1. This means that the provisions of the agreement will take effect before all legal procedures are finalized. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economy will subsequently prepare the ratification law, which will be sent to Parliament.
Ministry of Agriculture Opposed
Asked about the Ministry of Agriculture's position, Ioana Dogioiu confirmed that the opinion was negative.
However, the Government proceeded with the approval of the memorandum, arguing that the agreement includes protection mechanisms for European farmers.
How the Government Says Farmers are Protected
The Executive invokes the existence of "safeguard mechanisms" that should limit the impact of imports from South America:
- constant monitoring of sensitive agricultural markets
- periodic reports by the European Commission
- possibility of quickly initiating investigations
- introduction of protective measures within a maximum of 21 days in case of imbalances
Moreover, such measures can be maintained for up to four years if damages to European producers are identified.
Government's Invoked Benefits
Authorities say that the agreement will bring economic opportunities and protect approximately 350 European products with geographical indication, including 15 Romanian products.
Additionally, the document would open up new areas of cooperation between the EU and the Mercosur states, from the economy to climate change.
The Government also rejected criticisms regarding the lack of transparency. Ioana Dogioiu stated that the agreement is public and known, and the approved memorandum only aims at its swift signing.