What the EU risks by opening up its market to Brazilian sugar cane ethanol

ePURE’s Emmanuel Desplechin writes in Euractiv on the EU-Mercosur trade deal: “Free and fair trade that helps boost economic growth and create jobs is a concept most people support, at least in theory. But trade policy is about more than just open markets; it should also support – rather than work against – a government’s overall objectives… The pending mega-deal between the EU and the South American bloc known as Mercosur doesn’t quite live up to its promise. By agreeing to open its markets to Brazilian ethanol, the EU will contradict its own efforts to increase renewable energy sources in transport, kill incentives to invest in new technology, and make life even tougher for Europe’s already struggling farmers.”