Production: By Europod, in co-production with Sphera Network.

EUobserver is proud to feature an editorial collaboration with Europod for the podcast series "Briefed", hosted by Léa Marchal. The podcast can be found on all major platforms.

Full transcript available below:

Just two weeks after the EU-Mercosur trade agreement provisionally came into effect, a significant issue has emerged: Brazil, Mercosur's largest member, faces a ban on meat exports to the EU starting in September over its use of antimicrobials to boost animal growth.

Can this measure be overturned, and what lessons does it offer?

On Thursday (12 May), the EU revised its roster of nations permitted to supply meat to the bloc, adhering to its sanitary and phytosanitary regulations.

The move was anticipated to some extent, yet Brazil's exclusion stands out. The Commission states that Brazil fails to verify that its meat shipments to the EU are devoid of antimicrobial growth promoters.

Why at this juncture?

Prior to finalizing the EU-Mercosur accord this year, the Commission pledged to intensify sanitary and phytosanitary inspections on incoming meat to ease concerns in Europe.

The goal was to assure farmers throughout the EU that imports would adhere to local standards - thus avoiding unfair competition.

Now comes the phase of actual enforcement.

Post-inspection findings revealed Brazil's continued reliance on antimicrobial growth promoters. Crucially, the nation cannot substantiate that its EU-bound meat meets European criteria and lacks these substances.

Is reversal possible?

The delisting takes hold only on 3 September.

In the interim, Brazil has a window to regain eligibility by proving adherence to EU norms, though this demands substantial reforms.

A Commission spokesperson outlined two key elements in the evaluation.

Primarily, Brazil must enact safeguards like legal amendments and oversight mechanisms to eliminate antimicrobial growth promoters from its supply chains.

Additionally, it must guarantee that forthcoming exports align with the updated standards. For instance, beef shipped in six months might still carry residues from prior antimicrobial treatments in animals.

Predicting a September reinstatement is challenging.

However, with strong political commitment and targeted technical fixes, it remains feasible.

Brazil has championed the EU-Mercosur trade liberalization for years. Meat exports to the EU hold vital economic value for the country.

To date, both sides have negotiated solutions to past obstacles blocking the agreement's completion.