MEP Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik (PfE) has asked the European Commission whether it has analysed the actual carbon footprint of meat imported from Mercosur countries compared to EU-produced meat, and whether it would suspend imports if environmental standards are breached. The question, tabled on 29 June 2026, targets a perceived inconsistency between the EU's climate goals and its trade policy, which allows imports of agricultural products from Mercosur despite concerns over deforestation and transport emissions.
first, whether the Commission has conducted a comparative analysis of carbon footprints including transport and land-use change emissions; second, whether the Commission would suspend imports if a breach of EU environmental standards is identified. The question implies that current trade practices may undermine the EU's climate objectives by favouring imports with a higher carbon footprint.
Policy orientations from the question suggest a push for greater coherence between trade and climate policy, with a preference for local production over imports that may have a larger environmental impact. The MEP appears to advocate for stricter enforcement of environmental standards in trade agreements, potentially leading to import restrictions.
The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether it sees a conflict between trade liberalisation and climate goals, and whether it is considering any trade measures to address the carbon footprint of agricultural imports.