Opinion – Maria Inês Dolci: Mercosur-EU Agreement can improve consumer’s sustainable life

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European Union and Mercosur (under the baton of Brazil) once again debated a trade agreement, promised for next June. Very good, because it is yet another sign that we are back on the world stage as a responsible giant country. And it will be even better if the agreement also involves good consumer practices, such as the green transition, ensuring that sustainable products and lifestyles are accessible to all.

This transition is in Objective 55, a set of proposals aimed at revising and updating EU legislation. One of the proposals is to ensure an equitable and socially just transition in the process of achieving the EU’s climate goals.

It is also very important that the large European transnational companies treat consumers here with the same respect given to those there. After all, in large agreements between common markets, equality, in the best sense of the word, is expected.

As the concern for the Amazon and other biomes is sincere and legitimate, I believe that the European authorities will be increasingly strict with regard to the purchase of wood, gold and vegetables illegally extracted from here. That it is not accepted that a single piece of furniture is manufactured with wood without a certificate of origin.

Furthermore, it would be good practice to demand that Mercosur companies be encouraged to respect more advanced labor practices, with formalization of work and respect for the health of employees.
It wouldn’t be bad at all if, in some part of the eventually concluded agreement, there were incentives of some kind for the growth of the electric car market and powered by other renewable energies. After all, fossil fuels are among the great villains of global warming.

And, if possible, greater integration in education, technology, space and research into advanced medicines. Also because we have a large market, natural and cultural wealth and we are a granary that is on the way to feed almost the whole world.

Not to mention the immense clean energy potential of hydroelectric plants, sun, wind, biomass, among others. And even in terms of consumer relations, we have a very good Consumer Defense Code. In terms of privacy, we have the General Law for the Protection of Personal Data (LGPD). There is a good Statute for the Elderly and electronic ballot boxes that are a source of pride, except for those who believe in unicorns and reducing the tax burden.

Let the deal come!

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