Cyprus Parliament Expresses Concern Over EU–Mercosur Agreement

The Plenary of the Parliament approved a resolution expressing strong concern about the potential impacts of the EU–Mercosur agreements on the primary sector. The resolution, submitted by the AKEL–DIKO, EDEK, DIIPA and Ecologists Movement parliamentary groups, was approved with 31 votes in favor and 8 against. A DISY resolution was rejected.

Parliament points out that there was no timely consultation with directly affected parties nor was a national impact study carried out prior to the formation of the government's position. Fears are expressed for agricultural production, farmers' income and the sustainability of rural areas, especially due to increased production costs and climate change.

Reservations exist regarding the import of products that do not meet the same environmental and labor standards, as well as the inadequate protection of Cypriot PDO products, such as halloumi. Parliament calls on the government not to take any action to implement the agreements until the EU Court rules on their legal basis.

It also calls for consultation with agricultural organizations, the preparation of an impact study, and the defense of the interests of the agricultural sector at national and European level. Finally, it calls on the EU institutions to ensure reciprocity in production standards and strict controls on imported products.