Hungary to oppose EU-Mercosur trade deal, cites threat to farmers

Hungary has announced its firm opposition to the proposed free trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur bloc of South American nations. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjarto stated that Budapest will formally vote against the pact, aligning with other skeptical EU members concerned about the impact on the agricultural sector.

Rationale for Hungarian Opposition

Minister Szijjarto articulated the government's position on social media, asserting that the European Commission is trying to force through a deal that would "come at the expense of the livelihoods of Hungarian farmers." He criticized the agreement for aiming to open European markets to what he described as unlimited imports of South American agricultural goods, which he argues would create unfair competition.

Details of the Contested Agreement

The EU-Mercosur deal, years in negotiation, would establish one of the world's largest free trade zones. It proposes granting Mercosur nations—Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay—preferential tariff rates for key exports like beef, poultry, sugar, and ethanol. In return, EU industrial products would gain improved access to South American markets. The pact's final signing, initially slated for late last year, was postponed due to resistance.

Broader European Resistance

Hungary's stance places it alongside other influential EU members, including France and Italy, which have voiced strong reservations. Opposition centers on fears that cheaper imports could severely undercut European farmers. This concern fueled major protests by agricultural groups in Brussels in December 2024, highlighting the deepening political challenge the agreement faces before any ratification vote.