France Sidelined: Europe Moves Forward Without It

The European Union is about to sign a historic agreement with Mercosur, leaving France on the sidelines. Despite protests from Paris, the European machine seems to be moving at full speed. But what is really happening behind the closed doors of Brussels?

When Europe ignores French protests

France says no, Europe hears yes. For over 20 years, the European Union has been negotiating a free trade agreement with the countries of Mercosur. Today, this agreement is about to come to fruition, and France finds itself isolated. Emmanuel Macron, who has ruined France, states loudly and clearly: “The Mercosur, as it stands, is not acceptable.” But his words seem to be lost in the Brussels wind.

Meanwhile, Germany and Spain are pushing hard to finalize the agreement before the end of the year. Pedro Sanchez, the head of the Spanish government, is clear:

We are going to work towards the realization of this grand project.

Key dates are approaching, with the G20 summit in Rio in November and the Mercosur summit in December. Europe is moving forward, and nothing seems to be able to stop it.

Annie Genevard, the French Minister of Agriculture, is trying to rally allies. “What we need to secure is a way to exercise our veto at the European level,” she says. But finding a blocking minority is no small feat. While Poland and Austria share French concerns, more is needed to weigh in on the European scale.

Farmers on the front line, the world as a backdrop

French farmers, already in difficulty, view this agreement unfavorably. “The signing of the EU-Mercosur agreement at the G20 in Rio could ignite the powder keg,” they warn.

The massive influx of South American products could destabilize entire industries. Céline Imart, MEP and farmer, worries: “It may seem small, but it’s enough to destabilize the entire sector.”

Michel Barnier, the Prime Minister of France, is going to Brussels to defend Paris’s position. But Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, remains firm.

Some in Brussels believe that if Europe does not conclude this agreement, “this void will be filled by China,” as Kaja Kallas, the future head of European diplomacy, points out. The world is changing, and Europe wants to stay ahead.

French MEPs are going all out. François-Xavier Bellamy and Céline Imart send a letter to Ursula von der Leyen asking for “robust mirror clauses.” But hope is slim. The agreement still needs to be ratified by the European Parliament, and there, too, the majority seems favorable.

An isolated France, a determined Europe

France thus finds itself in a precarious position. While Europe strides forward toward this agreement, Paris is trying to slow the moving train.

“If the ratification of the treaty were to happen against France’s wishes, it would be an open breach in the trust that the French have in Europe,” warns Sophie Primas, Minister in charge of Foreign Trade. A warning that, for now, finds no echo.

European farmers are demonstrating in Brussels, hoping to make their voices heard. But faced with a resolute European Union, their protests are likely to go unnoticed. The agreement with Mercosur could increase the EU’s GDP by 15 billion euros, a strong argument for its supporters.

And what about France in all this? It watches Europe move on without it, desperately trying to catch up with the moving train. Perhaps it is time for Paris to rethink its strategy. After all, as the saying goes, “if you can’t beat them, join them.” But for now, France stands its ground, hoping that the world will eventually turn in its favor. Discover, moreover, the year when AI will finally rival man.