The European Union's decision to approve the agreement with the South American economic bloc, which includes countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, came after a meeting of ambassadors. The deal passed by a qualified majority thanks to the favorable votes of Spain, Germany, and finally, Italy, while five countries, including France and Poland, voted against it. Formal ratification is expected during the future trip of European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen to Asunción.
“"We confirm that we have governments that side with the landowners of South America, which leads to our frontal opposition. They have sold us out."
In addition to maintaining the A-27 blockade, the farmers have announced a demonstration in central Tarragona for next Sunday starting at 12:00 PM. The march will depart from Plaça Imperial Tarraco and head towards the Balcó del Mediterrani. The goal is to “explain to the public the danger of this agreement that the governments of Europe are signing.”
The protest has had a significant impact on port activity. The Autoritat Portuària de Tarragona estimated the decrease in trucks entering or leaving the port facility on Friday at 88.14% compared to the same day last year. The number of truck entries dropped from 1,183 to just 144 between 5:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
Representatives of the farming sector will meet this afternoon in Reus with the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Òscar Ordeig. Nevertheless, the farmers have already expressed their disappointment, believing that the Catalan Government is also failing to support the agricultural sector in its opposition to Mercosur.
