Ref. Ares(2017)2874178 - 08/06/2017
Ref. Ares(2018)1186223 - 02/03/2018
All redactions are made under art. 4(1)(b)
CC(17)3919:1 – AP/mvs
Ms Sandra Gallina
Director
DG TRADE
European Commission
170, rue de la Loi
BE-1049 Bruxelles
Brussels, 17th May 2017
Re: Trade negotiations with Mercosur
Dear EU chief Negotiator,
Copa and Cogeca are the united voice of farmers and agri-cooperatives in the EU. Copa
represents over 23 million farmers and their family members, whilst Cogeca represents the
interests of 22,000 agricultural cooperatives. Celcaa is the EU umbrella association representing
EU organisations covering the trade in cereals, grains, oils and fats, sugar, fruit and vegetables,
olive oil, agro-supply, animal feed, wine, meat and meat products, dairy and dairy products, egg
and egg products, poultry and game, tobacco, spices, cut flowers and plants and general
produces.
The European agricultural sector is committed to supporting the European Commission
objective of reviving economic growth and creating jobs for the European economy. Today, the
European agricultural and agri-food sector employs over 43 million people and registers a
positive trade balance of more than 20 billion euros in 2016.
A new round of negotiations has been scheduled on EU-Mercosur by beginning of July 2017 in
which Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary chapter would be addressed. Copa and Cogeca and Celcaa
consider that the resolution of the list of 28 pending dossiers on sanitary or phyto-sanitary
certificates is not sufficient to unlock the trade negotiations toward a political level.
Copa-Cogeca and Celcaa expect further progress from Mercosur countries to tackle SPS and TBT
barriers impeding EU exports before any market access concessions can be further negotiated.
You will find enclosed presentation by sector outlining these SPS points to be cleared prior to
engage further in the negotiations.
In parallel, several sectors are also calling on the European Commission to apply the sensitive
products approach, including TRQ without duty free and maintaining its management by
import licence scheme.
Please be aware that a copy of this letter has also been sent to the members of TPC.
Yours faithfully,
Pascale Rouhier
Pekka Pesonen
Secretary General
Secretary General
Enc.: All the presentations from the workshop on 16th May 2017
Copa - Cogeca | European Farmers European Agri-Cooperatives
61, Rue de Trèves | B - 1040 Bruxelles | www.copa-cogeca.eu
EU Transparency Register Number | Copa 44856881231-49 | Cogeca 09586631237-74
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BILAT(17)3912 (rev.1)
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BILAT(17)3913 (rev.1)
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BILAT(17)3915 (rev.1)
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BILAT(17)3921 (rev.1)
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