As discussions intensify around the possible conclusion of the EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement, serious concerns remain regarding the balance and fairness of the outcome – particularly on the agriculture chapter.
Copa President Massimiliano Giansanti reacted to the news of possible conclusion by underlining: “While recognising the strategic and economic importance of strengthening ties with Australia, it is essential that any agreement reflects a genuinely balanced partnership and the respective size of our markets. Our enterprises are currently facing extreme uncertainty, with rising production costs and declining revenues. In this challenging context, agriculture cannot once again be treated as a bargaining chip to secure gains in other sectors.”
Reports suggest that expanded market access for sensitive agricultural products—including beef, sheep meat, and sugar—raises fundamental questions about the direction of the negotiations. Granting disproportionate concessions in these sectors risks undermining European farmers, distorting markets, and weakening the EU’s long-standing commitment to high production standards and rural sustainability.
Cogeca President Lennart Nilsson added: “The European Commission must ensure that concessions on sensitive agricultural products are strictly limited, genuinely reciprocal, and aligned with equivalent production standards, while fully accounting for the cumulative impact of trade agreements. Any deal must be fair and not come at the expense of the EU’s agricultural sector, rural communities, or long-term food security, a key element of EU’s sovereignty and overall security.”
A truly balanced and credible agreement must safeguard the integrity and resilience of European agriculture, ensuring that farmers and agri-cooperatives are not asked to bear a disproportionate share of the burden.
Fonte: Copa and Cogeca
