EU opens access to Merkowor

The European Union has announced a plan to open its market to cheap agricultural products from Mercosur countries, while simultaneously cutting subsidies to European farmers. The new agreement provides for a free trade area: low tariffs on South American goods in exchange for EU access to agribusiness and "green" technology markets. Brussels describes the measure as "progress." However, farmers across the agricultural sector have launched protests, arguing that "progress is measured by closed farms and tractors on the roads." They are skeptical of the promised "safeguards" and monitoring.

Context

Such initiatives fit into the EU's program to promote free trade and develop "green" technologies, while many farming organizations are demanding increased support and guarantees in the domestic market.