Tensions are rising within Romania’s governing camp after the country’s representative in COREPER received a mandate to support the EU–Mercosur trade agreement. The Social Democratic Party (PSD) accused the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—led by USR politician Oana Țoiu—of acting “against the interests of Romanian farmers,” and is demanding clarifications from Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, especially on whether he knew about the mandate and whether he approved it.
PSD argues that, in its current form, the agreement does not include sufficiently clear guarantees to protect the agricultural market from imports from Latin America. The party points to earlier warnings by Agriculture Minister Florin Barbu and criticizes the adoption of the government memorandum—claiming it was done without consultation with farming communities. The Social Democrats also say they will use available procedures in the European Parliament to introduce amendments that would safeguard farmers’ interests.
A similar line is being promoted by the opposition AUR party. Its leader, George Simion, has described the deal as “against farmers” and “contrary to the interests of Romanian agricultural producers.” By contrast, the Romanian government’s spokesperson office previously argued that Romania backed the agreement only after obtaining additional safeguards for national markets, negotiated together with other EU countries.
President Nicușor Dan also commented on the issue, stressing that Romania supported the agreement after securing stronger protective measures for sensitive agricultural sectors. He pointed, among other things, to quantitative limits (including 1.5% of annual EU production for beef and 1.3% for poultry) and to a safeguard clause enabling action if imports surge in a way that threatens domestic producers. The president also emphasized that imported agri-food products must comply with EU standards (including rules on pesticides and other substances) and highlighted additional support for farmers under the Common Agricultural Policy—up to €45 billion from the flexibility margin—as part of an accompanying protection package.
From the government’s economic perspective, the deal is presented as an opportunity to expand exports: the removal of tariffs on 91% of EU products entering Mercosur markets and new prospects for sectors such as automotive components, mechanical and electrical equipment, metal products, and textiles. The president also noted potential benefits for services exports, improved access to critical raw materials, and the protection of geographical indications—including 15 Romanian products—on Mercosur markets.
At EU level, the next steps advanced with support from a majority of member states; some countries—among them Poland, France, Ireland, Hungary, and Austria—voted against, while Belgium abstained. Alongside this, an enhanced safeguard mechanism was adopted for the most sensitive agricultural sectors.
The EU–Mercosur agreement concerns trade cooperation with the bloc comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. In the European Parliament, it has also been emphasized that “emergency brake” tools (including safeguard clauses) are meant to be part of the package, which still requires further formal steps after signing.
