The EU’s planned trade agreement with the Mercosur countries of South America can help pressure the Brazilian government into taking stronger action to stop the fires in the Amazon rainforest, say EPP Group Members debating the issue in the European Parliament.

Mairead McGuinness of Ireland says instead of slamming the tariff-slashing accord – the final text is still being drafted – use it to hold Brazil to its commitments integrated in the Paris climate accord.

Christophe Hansen of Luxembourg says not to make the Mercosur accord a scapegoat, but to see how it is put to music – how Brazil will honour its commitments.

Hansen wants to take into consideration how the different sectors in Europe, and their jobs, will benefit from the trade agreement with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay