Slovenian organizations for the protection of animals warn about the harmfulness of the EU-Mercosur agreement

Ljubljana – The Association of Non-Governmental Organizations for the Protection of Animals of Slovenia opposes the proposed agreement between the EU and Mercosur, which aims to eliminate numerous trade barriers between the two parties. Both Slovenia and the EU are striving to improve the conditions for farm animals, so they certainly do not wish for uncontrolled imports of animal products from the other side of the world, they explained on Friday.

The European Commission recently presented the proposal for a partnership agreement between the EU and Mercosur and between the EU and Mexico. The agreements are part of the EU’s strategy to strengthen economic and political ties, which can fundamentally be good, but we must not forget the sentient beings affected by it, they stated.

“At a time when we are all striving to improve animal welfare standards in the EU, these trade agreements, which allow for further imports of animal products produced by cruel methods, undermine Europe’s ambitions to transition to sustainable food systems,” they emphasized.

The Association of Non-Governmental Organizations for the Protection of Animals of Slovenia thus joins the opinion of Slovenian farmers that such trade agreements should not be accepted. They urge the government not to support the agreement in its current form. Importers of animal products must adhere to the same animal welfare standards as the EU, and the EU must enforce strict oversight, they reminded. (September 26)