The signing of the trade agreement between the European Union and Mercosur in Brazil remained in doubt after France called for the postponement of the vote of European countries scheduled for this week in Brussels. “At this point, the draft laws are not suitable to protect French farmers. France’s demands have not been met,” Paris said.
French President Emmanuel Macron has asked the European Commission to postpone consideration of the agreement, which must be adopted between tomorrow and Friday, his entourage said. But the European executive rejected the French president’s request. “The signing of this agreement today is of crucial importance, both economically, diplomatically and geopolitically,” replied the Commission, maintaining its timetable.
That stimulus opens a week that was already looking hectic in Brussels, where agricultural unions are promising up to 10,000 protesters on Thursday during a European meeting of heads of state and government. EU farmers reject this free trade agreement with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.
The pact would benefit European exports of cars, machinery, wine and spirits. In return, it would facilitate the importation of South American meat, sugar, rice, honey and soybeans into Europe.
For its part, the European Commission has not changed its position. “We hope to have all the conditions for a signing next weekend,” said spokeswoman Paula Pinha. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hopes to sign the deal on Saturday during the Mercosur summit in the Brazilian city of Foz do Iguaçu.
“It’s now or never,” a commission source insisted on the deal, negotiations for which began more than 25 years ago. Before Von der Leyen flies to Brazil, she needs the approval of European countries.
“A failure”
The postponement to 2026 requested by France is rejected by other countries.
“If there is no compromise this week, we risk a serious European crisis. It will be a major failure for the Commission, for Germany and for Spain,” a European diplomat warned on condition of anonymity.
Germany, Spain and the Scandinavian countries, staunch supporters of this agreement, want to boost their exports at a time when the European economy is facing Chinese competition and US tariffs.
An agreement this week is “absolutely necessary,” warned government spokesman Stefan Kornelius to the press.
France will have difficulty blocking the pact, which only requires a qualified majority to pass.
To complicate the equation, another vote in the European Parliament is expected on Tuesday before the 27’s decision.
MEPs are considering “protective measures” aimed at reassuring farmers and winning France’s vote.
With these measures, the EU promises “enhanced surveillance” of the most sensitive products such as beef, poultry, rice, honey, eggs, garlic, ethanol and sugar, as well as intervention in the event of market destabilization.
European governments have agreed to this safeguard clause, but the European Parliament could strengthen it.
Even if Von der Leyen signs the contract on Saturday, the party is not finished yet: its final adoption still needs to be voted on in the European Parliament at the beginning of 2026.
Internal sources predict a close vote in Parliament, with national considerations at the forefront.
Without distinguishing political tendencies, “all French people would vote against it, including the majority of Poles,” predicted an expert on parliamentary balance sheets.
The radical left and the extreme right will also oppose it, bringing “we reach 300 opponents” of the treaty, out of a total of 720 deputies, this source estimates.
AFP
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