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The European Union's trade deal with the Mercosur countries won't be ratified until progress is done on climate change, deforestation and food safety standards, according to an official in Emmanuel Macron's office on Tuesday.
The French official, who declined to be identified in line with government rules, said the deal was not acceptable as it is now and that it must comply with commitments the 2015 Paris Climate Accord.
In Brasilia, President Jair Bolsonaro's office rejected allegations that the trade deal would encourage deforestation. “Brazil has already shown that it is able to increase its production of beef, soy and corn while reducing deforestation,” it said in a statement, adding that France's accusations are motivated by protectionist practices.
Ahead of an EU summit starting Thursday, the French official also said the U.K. bill on internal markets was undermining the country's credibility in Brexit negotiations. The bill has been slammed by EU officials for contradicting commitments the U.K. made in the withdrawal agreement.
Read More: U.K. Must ‘Stop the Games' on Brexit, German Diplomat Says
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