German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier on Monday said he still believes ratification of an EU trade deal with South America is possible, despite European anger over deforestation in Brazil.

Even without reopening the text of the agreement, "there are some issues that we have to clarify, that we can clarify", Altmaier said, after a meeting of EU trade ministers in Berlin.

A "sustainable solution" can be found, he said, urging his EU partners to not be divided on the hot-button issue.

The pact between the European Union and the South American Mercosur free trade bloc -- Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay -- was agreed in principle last year after two decades of wrangling.

France has to set out demands for ratification to proceed, which would crucially include respecting the targets of the Paris Agreement on fighting climate change.

The EU's new trade boss Valdis Dombrovskis said it was "clear that we need to take those issues seriously".

French President Emmanuel Macron has been a leading critic of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a climate change sceptic who scrapped restrictions on exploiting the Amazon's vast riches.

Industrial powerhouse Germany meanwhile has backed the deal hoping to open new markets, especially for its auto companies.

Brussels, which handles trade matters for the EU's 27 member states, "is seeking clear engagement" from the South Americans on sustainability concerns.

Environmental activists have slammed the deal for its lifting of trade barriers to Brazilian beef, which they argue will lead to increased deforestation.

Cattle farming is responsible for 80 percent of Amazon deforestation, according to the WWF environmental group.

arp/dc/bp

AMAZON.COM

Related Links
Global Trade News

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

India to loan virus-hit Maldives $250m
Male, Maldives (AFP) Sept 20, 2020
India on Sunday announced a $250 million loan to the Maldives to boost its coronavirus-battered economy in a further bid to counter China's growing financial footprint in South Asia. The Indian Ocean archipelago, renowned for its luxury resorts, has been badly hit by the pandemic, with foreign tourists failing to flock back in large numbers after international flights restarted in mid-July. India's High Commission in the Maldives said the loan was being provided after a request by Maldives Presi ... read more