The cross-sector employers' organisations (FEB, VOKA, AKT, Beci, UNIZO and AVED) have taken note of the Belgian position adopted on Tuesday during interfederal consultations on the EU-MERCOSUR agreement. We deeply regret that the consensus reached is for our country to abstain.
Admittedly, this position does not block the process underway at European level (unlike what happened in Wallonia in 2016 with regard to the CETA agreement between the EU and Canada, which has since proven to deliver very positive outcomes for our country). However, we regret lack of ambition represented by this abstention.
Our country has one of the most open economies in the EU, including with regard to the rest of the world; the value of our exports represents more than 85% of our GDP. In the tense geopolitical and commercial context in which our businesses must operate, the EU-MERCOSUR agreement would contribute positively to the much-needed diversification of our exports and imports, particularly with regard to access to the critical raw materials necessary for our economic development and the economic transition of our industries.
Our organisations have been convinced for years that this agreement represents numerous business opportunities for many important sectors of our economy. This is confirmed by the recent impact study updated by the FPS Economy. This is also while containing appropriate safeguard measures (recently reinforced by the European Commission) designed to protect, if necessary, potentially more vulnerable agricultural (sub)sectors.
Our organisations do not understand the striking difference between Belgium's cautious stance today and the enthusiasm shown by our authorities a year ago during the Belgian economic mission to Brazil, one of Mercosur's key members. The EU-Mercosur agreement is essential for the Belgian and European economies, both from an economic and geostrategic point of view. Not supporting it is a major mistake and reflects a clear lack of ambition.
