France Advances Strategy for Blocking Minority in Mercosur Trade Agreement
France aims for a blocking minority in Mercosur trade deal negotiations.
Key Points
- • French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard discusses a 'blocking minority' strategy.
- • A qualified majority is needed for the Council of the EU to vote on the agreement.
- • Four member states must oppose to create a blocking minority, representing over 35% of the EU population.
- • The agreement requires 55% of member states with 65% of the population to pass.
In a recent development, French Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard expressed optimism about achieving a 'blocking minority' in the negotiations surrounding the EU's Mercosur trade agreement. During a press conference with her Polish counterpart, Czesław Siekierski, Genevard outlined France's strategic move to potentially separate the commercial elements of the agreement from other non-commercial components. This approach would allow the Council of the European Union to vote on the trade deal with a qualified majority, instead of requiring unanimous consent from all EU member states.
To establish a blocking minority, at least four member states must oppose the agreement, and together with any abstaining members, they need to account for more than 35% of the EU's population. Currently, the agreement requires a robust 55% majority of member states, representing 65% of the population, for passage. Genevard's comments underscore the intricate maneuvering required to navigate the complexities of EU politics concerning this significant trade pact.