VILNIUS, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Lithuanian Agriculture Minister Ignas Hofmanas has said Lithuania would not support the ratification of the free trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and the South American trade bloc Mercosur, according to local media reports.
Hofmanas said the Rural Affairs Committee of the Lithuanian parliament, the Seimas, has adopted this decision.
"The European Commission has promised a detailed explanation of the agreement, which we'd like to wait for, but for now, this is our stance," Hofmanas told local media LRT TV on Monday.
In mid-December, the parliamentary committee proposed that the government oppose the agreement in the EU Council and align with other member states blocking it, citing concerns from Lithuanian farmers about unfair competition.
"Our agricultural sector is especially affected when it comes to meat - poultry and beef. Since we grow most of our agricultural produce and export a significant share, I don't think this agreement offers us any opportunity," Hofmanas said.
Vytenis Tomkus, a former deputy agriculture minister, previously said the agreement could benefit Lithuania economically by boosting exports of agricultural and food products.
However, Lithuanian farmers' organizations warn of significant risks from Mercosur bloc products entering the EU market, highlighting potential negative effects on Lithuania's agricultural sector, environmental goals, and food safety standards. ■