Mercosur Pact: Austria's Position Seems to be Set

In the office of Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP), they simply referred to the chancellor's "previous statements" on the subject in response to an APA inquiry. Stocker had recently expressed cautious optimism regarding the trade pact, but always reminded of the valid parliamentary resolution from 2019, which obliges the Alpine republic to a "No" to Mercosur in the EU. And also in the SPÖ, which has mostly been against Mercosur, they recently dismissed the idea to the APA. From the red parliamentary club, it was said, for example, that there was no reason to question the current position.

Mercosur Pact: Political Landscape Divided

According to a report by the "Standard" (online) from Thursday, there may have been efforts within the ÖVP to bring it to a parliamentary vote after all. Accordingly, ÖVP Economic Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer convened the subcommittee for EU affairs, but then withdrew this request. The ministry confirmed the process to the APA, but did not associate it with Mercosur.

Within the People's Party, the economic wing in the form of the Economic Association is in favor of the agreement, while the powerful agricultural wing (Farmers' Association) is against it, which Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig (ÖVP), who himself comes from the Farmers' Association, reaffirmed once again on Thursday: He said he would vote "No" in a possible vote in the coming days, on the sidelines of the meeting of EU agriculture ministers.

Austria Could Become the "Decisive Factor"

Among the other parliamentary parties, the FPÖ and the Greens have always rejected the trade agreement with the South American Mercosur states Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, the SPÖ is critical, and the liberal NEOS are in favor. Among the social partners, the Chamber of Commerce is in favor, all others are so far against a conclusion. The Federation of Austrian Industries (IV) is in favor of the pact, while environmentalists from various NGOs have always expressed concerns.

Until recently, it was uncertain whether the trade agreement, which is to be decided by the Council before December 20, would actually find the necessary approval. In Europe, among the major countries, France and Poland are critical to rejecting. There are also question marks behind Belgium, the Netherlands, Romania, and Hungary. Due to the still unclear circumstances - a qualified majority is needed in the EU Council - Austria's approval could have made the difference. Among observers, such a scenario is considered unlikely, but not impossible. Recently, voices have been raised again in this country calling for a "Yes" to the Mercosur trade agreement - for example, in the Economic Research Institute (Wifo).

(APA/Red.)

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