Leaked EU-Mercosur trade deal lacks teeth on climate, activists say

(EurActiv, 9 Oct 2020) A leaked version of the EU-Mercosur treaty negotiation text, published by Greenpeace Germany, has no provisions to ensure the Paris climate agreement is enforced, leaving the door open to further deforestation in the Amazon, campaigners say.

While the EU’s draft trade deal with South American nations mentions the Paris  Agreement, calling for its rapid implementation, there are no provisions related to enforcement or repercussions if the parties fail to implement it, Greenpeace said.

“Omitting sanctionable commitments to stop nature destruction and tackle the climate crisis shows how little regard this deal has for the existential challenges we face,” said Greenpeace trade expert Juergen Knirsch.

“The deal would accelerate the destruction of the Amazon, unleashing climate chaos and annihilating countless species,” Knirsch said.

While parts of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement have been available since July 2019, the Association Agreement text has not been made public until now.

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EurActiv, 9 Oct 2020: Leaked EU-Mercosur trade deal lacks teeth on climate, activists say