Written question – EU-Mercosur free trade agreement, part 2/2 – E-004081/2025

Question for written answer  E-004081/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Anna Bryłka (PfE)

In view of the ongoing negotiations on free trade agreements between the European Union and the Mercosur countries and India, I would be grateful if the Commission could provide information on the potential impact of these agreements on the European tobacco growing and processing sector.

Given the social and economic importance of this sector in certain regions of the EU, as well as the differences in labour costs, environmental standards and production regulations between the EU and its partner countries, I would ask the Commission to answer the following questions:

• 1.Does the Commission plan to include safeguard clauses in the agreement that could be applied in the event of a sudden increase in imports of tobacco or tobacco products from India, with a view to protecting European producers from market distortions?
• 2.Can the Commission explain how it intends to monitor and enforce labour and environmental standards in countries exporting tobacco to the EU, especially if the trade agreement results in a reduction or elimination of customs duties?
• 3.Is the Commission considering the possibility of introducing compensation mechanisms or financial support instruments (e.g. under the Common Agricultural Policy) for European tobacco growers if trade liberalisation leads to a significant decline in the EU tobacco sector’s competitiveness?

Submitted: 16.10.2025