French President Emmanuel Macron is set to propose a series of changes in agricultural policy to address the ongoing crisis faced by the government due to sector protests. He will discuss these proposed changes with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, at the upcoming summit in Brussels. While the details of these changes have not been disclosed, France has made it clear that it opposes the free trade agreement signed in 2020 between the European Union and Mercosur. This agreement has faced numerous obstacles and is unlikely to be ratified. Macron has consistently stated that it is impossible to conclude the agreement and is calling for the end of the EC’s negotiating mission in Brazil due to certain “red lines” that France rejects. These red lines include the non-integration of the Paris agreements on climate change, the absence of conditions to prevent deforestation, and the lack of guarantees for health and environmental rules in imported agricultural products from Mercosur.

In addition to these concerns, France is seeking a new derogation from the obligation for farmers to leave 4% of their land fallow, as mandated by the Common Agricultural Policy. France also aims to restrict the entry of certain Ukrainian products, particularly in relation to chicken, eggs, and sugar that were authorized without tariffs and without adherence to EU rules. These measures are being presented at an extraordinary European summit that is primarily focused on financial perspectives and support for Ukraine. Hungary, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, is a key player in these discussions, as they strongly opposed an agreement reached during the European Council in December. Despite Macron’s government introducing a package of measures in support of farmers, protests have persisted, with a recent “siege” of Paris causing disruptions with tractors blocking the city’s entrance axes.