FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Center-right lawmakers in Spain have quietly begun to back away from their previously strong support for the EU-Mercosur trade deal, causing concern within the European People's Party (EPP). Supporters of the deal warn that the move could seriously jeopardize its passage.
The giant trade deal, negotiated for some 25 years, is expected to be officially signed on Saturday in Paraguay by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. However, to enter into force, it must also get the green light from the European Parliament. The first major test is expected next week, when MEPs will vote on requests to send the text to the EU Court of Justice for a review of its compatibility with the treaties, a process that could take up to two years.
If this stage passes, the deal will go to a final approval vote later in the year. With support being split along national rather than party lines, the possible withdrawal of the Spanish center-right makes the outcome highly uncertain.
The first signs of a change in stance came from the leader of the Spanish People’s Party (PP), Alberto Núñez Feijóo, who declared that “Spanish farmers are right,” reflecting concerns that local producers could be harmed by imports from South America. He stressed the need for more controls and trade agreements “with real guarantees.” Along the same lines, the PP’s deputy secretary for economic affairs, Alberto Nadal, declared that the party would only support the agreement if guarantees and border controls were strengthened.
Within the European Parliament, the move has raised alarm bells. EPP MEPs from other countries have noted nervousness in the Spanish delegation, although there is still no clear official position. Opposition to the deal also comes from centre-right lawmakers in France, Poland and Austria, mainly because of the impact on farmers.
A rejection by Spain would be decisive, as it is the second largest delegation within the EPP with 22 MEPs. According to parliamentary sources, the vote is expected to be very close, with the outcome potentially decided by just a few votes.
The PP's doubts are closely linked to domestic electoral pressures. Regional elections are due in Aragon, Castile and León and Andalusia, areas where agriculture is vital and farmers' protests against the deal have intensified. Meanwhile, the far-right Vox party is using the issue to attack the deal and accuse the PP of not protecting the interests of Spanish producers, putting the center-right under increased political pressure.
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