00:01Commission President Ursula von der Leyen decided Friday to move ahead with the provisional application of the Mercosur Trade Agreement.
00:09It brushes aside a judicial review launched by MEPs that has suspended the ratification process.
00:15The Commission will continue to work closely with all EU institutions, member states and stakeholders to ensure a smooth and
00:26transparent process.
00:28Let me conclude. Mercosur is one of the most consequential trade agreements of the first half of this century.
00:37French President Emmanuel Macron has criticized the European Commission's decision.
00:41It is also a no longer responsibility for the European citizens and their representatives who have not been duly respected.
00:47In substance, for France, it is a surprise and a bad surprise. And for the European Parliament, it is a
00:55bad way.
00:56The deal has split member states for years. While Germany has championed the agreement as bolstering access to global markets,
01:03France has led opposition, arguing that it will expose EU farmers to unfair competition.
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