Poland opposes EU-Mercosur trade deal in its current form

Brazil is pushing for an EU-Mercosur deal to be signed by the end of the month while it holds the G20 presidency. Supporters of the deal, including the EU's largest economy Germany, say it will open up more markets for their exports.

Farmers say the deal with the Mercosur bloc, which includes Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay, will create unfair competition for EU farmers and food producers because it will allow them to import large volumes of produce that are not subject to the same strict regulations they face in the EU.

"Poland does not accept, and we are not alone, we will not accept in this form an agreement with the countries of South America, that is, the Mercosur group, on free trade," Prime Minister Donald Tusk said before the start of the government meeting.

Polish farmers blocked the Medyka border crossing with Ukraine in protest against the deal on Saturday, following major protests in France and Brussels.

French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated his opposition to the Mercosur deal proposed during a visit to Argentina this month.

France , the EU's biggest agricultural producer, is trying to persuade other EU members to form a minority bloc against the deal.

According to producers, the deal between the EU and Mercosur will allow the import of an additional 99,000 tons of beef, 190,000 tons of SUGAR, 180,000 tons of poultry MEAT, and 1 million tons of corn.