Reaction: Kilkenny voices say Mercosur vote 'devastating' for Irish farmers

Just one day after the Irish government announced it would oppose the EU-Mercosur trade deal, it has been approved by a vote of European Union member states this morning (Friday).

Joining Ireland in voting against the agreement were Austria, France, Hungary and Poland, with Belgium abstaining.

The vote has been greeted with disappointment and anger among many in Ireland, however it has been welcomed by Chambers Ireland.

Kilkenny Reaction

Kilkeny Sinn Féin MEP Kathleen Funchion has condemned the European Council’s decision to approve the Mercosur trade deal, warning that it is "bad for Irish farmers, the environment, and public health".

MEP Funchion also criticised the manner in which the European Commission forced the deal through, saying it "threatens the rights of national parliaments".

She said: "I am disappointed that the deal has passed through the European Council, especially in the manner in which it has been done - without a meeting or debate among Trade Ministers this week.

"We know this is a bad deal for Irish farming, public health, and the environment. It contradicts so many other policy objectives, not least among them food security, protecting farm incomes, and supporting farm succession. 

"It will see Irish farmers forced into unfair competition with Mercosur ranchers who produce under far less strict regulation."

She urged opposition to the next stage of approval of the trade deal.

Farm Leaders

IFA President Francie Gorman said the outcome of today’s meeting of EU Ambassadors for the latest part of approving the Mercosur deal is very disappointing.

"This was a very narrow margin with countries representing a sizeable proportion of the EU population – 31.3% - not supporting the deal, which is something the EU Commission has to be concerned about. 

"This still requires approval by the EU Parliament, and we will renew our focus with our colleagues in COPA to secure a majority against the deal in the Parliament," he said. 

Welcome

However,   Chambers Ireland and ICC Ireland has welcomed the positive vote on the Mercosur trade agreement, describing it as a great opportunity for the Irish economy and a welcome boost for free, open trade which has been so instrumental in Ireland’s economic success. Today’s decision represents a significant milestone in the process, with the agreement now progressing to the European Parliament for consideration.

Chief Executive Ian Talbot highlighted the importance of the agreement for businesses in Ireland and across the EU: “The approval of the Mercosur agreement marks a decisive moment for Irish and EU businesses. It will help stabilise the trade environment and build much-needed resilience into our supply chains. In a time of ongoing geopolitical instability and the lingering effects of tariffs, this agreement will help reduce vulnerabilities and create new opportunities for Irish exporters. Protection of investments and Intellectual Property are also important elements.”

Ireland's No Vote

Yesterday (Thursday) Ireland announced it would vote against the agreement today. Read more of the local reaction to this decision here: 'We're voting no!' - Kilkenny welcome for Ireland's EU trade deal decision