Obchodní dohoda EU-MERCOSUR - potenciál a rizika pro zemědělský sektor

This bachelor’s thesis examines the free trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur, with a focus on the agricultural sector. The aim of this thesis was to identify the potential benefits and risks of the EU-Mercosur agreement for the agricultural sector in both regions. It also examines how the agreement will affect trade in selected agricultural commodities. At the same time, it assesses whether the potential benefits and risks of the agreement are distributed evenly between the EU and Mercosur. It also evaluates the extent to which standard model estimates capture non-economic impacts, such as environmental and social ones. The study is based on qualitative research, specifically on the analysis of secondary sources, particularly existing studies, analyses, and official documents The results of the study showed that the impacts cannot be assessed as simply positive or negative. As far as trade in agricultural commodities is concerned, ethanol plays the most important role for Mercosur. It represents a significant export advantage, but for the EU it means pressure to lower prices. Conversely, dairy products are key for the EU, as they will enable it to gain a market advantage over other countries. For Mercosur, this area poses a risk of increased competitive pressure on smaller producers. For beef, poultry, and sugar, the agreement does not entail significant changes. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the agreement presents greater opportunities for Mercosur than for the EU. These opportunities, along with the social and regional impacts, will be unevenly distributed. The groups most affected may be small-scale producers and farmers in both regions and indigenous peoples in Mercosur countries. At the same time, it has been verified that standard models do not take into account non-economic impacts and overlook regional, social, and environmental effects. Thus, they do not provide a complete picture of the agreement’s actual impacts. This study offers a comprehensive perspective on the EU-Mercosur agreement that goes beyond a purely economic assessment.