The European Footwear Confederation (CEC) was among the representatives of a wide range of European business sectors to sign a joint-declaration calling for the ratification of a trade agreement between the European Union and South American economic bloc Mercosur.
These two groups reached an agreement, at a political level, for a trade deal in December 2024, following years of negotiation. This agreement has not yet been ratified by member states on both sides of the Atlantic.
The new joint-declaration, dated October 13, called for ratification to take place quickly. It said: “The EU-Mercosur is a modern agreement, driven by modern principles. It will deliver increased market access and improved access to resources, while preserving key sectors in European domestic markets, diversifying secure supply chains, and fostering investments for both sides.”
It said the agreement would also help deepen cooperation on sustainable development, in areas such as fighting climate change, preserving biodiversity, and advancing labour and social rights.