Social issues divide France and Germany on agriculture

The German Minister of Agriculture paid a visit to his French counterpart in Paris on 7 January 2014 in a show of unity between the two sides. But divisions remain deep on social dumping, an issue that is expected to become hotter in France as the EU elections approach.

On the 15 January 2014, France welcomed a minimum wage deal in the German meat industry, after accusing it in 2013 of hiring cheap labour and helping to cause a crisis in the French slaughterhouse sector which saw a wave of closures.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Parliament pressures Commission for better meat origin labelling http://www.europeansources.info/record/parliament-pressures-commission-for-better-meat-origin-labelling/

ESO: Background information: Council reaches general approach on posting of workers directive http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-reaches-general-approach-on-posting-of-workers-directive/

EurActiv, 16.01.14: France welcomes minimum wage deal in German meat sector http://www.euractiv.com/cap/france-welcomes-minimum-wage-dea-news-532805

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