Fri Dec 19 01:53:07 UTC 2025: EU Postpones Mercosur Trade Deal Amidst Farmer Protests, French and Italian Opposition
Brussels, Belgium – The European Union has delayed the signing of the long-awaited trade agreement with the South American Mercosur bloc until January, citing ongoing protests by European farmers and last-minute opposition from key member states France and Italy.
The decision, confirmed by European Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho, postpones a deal 25 years in the making. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s planned trip to Brazil to sign the accord was cancelled.
The delay was reportedly agreed upon between von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, with Italy promising to vote in favour of the agreement in January. However, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived at the EU summit in Brussels calling for further concessions, echoing concerns about the potential impact on European farmers.
Macron stated that he has been in discussions with other European colleagues about delaying the signing, adding that “Farmers already face an enormous amount of challenges.”
The EU-Mercosur agreement, encompassing Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay, would be the EU’s largest trade agreement. It aims to boost European exports of vehicles, machinery, wines, and spirits to Latin America, while securing access to key minerals.
Critics, particularly France and Italy, fear an influx of cheaper commodities from Mercosur countries that could harm European farmers. In contrast, Germany, Spain, and Nordic countries support the deal, arguing it will reduce reliance on China and offset the impact of US tariffs.
The postponement came as hundreds of farmers, some traveling from as far as Spain and Poland, blocked roads in Brussels with tractors to protest the agreement. Demonstrators threw potatoes and eggs, burned tyres, and clashed with police, who responded with tear gas and water cannon.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva indicated a willingness to delay the signature to allow time to win over the holdouts, stating that Italy had asked for “patience” and that Italy would eventually be ready for the agreement.
The situation remains fluid, with uncertainty surrounding the deal’s prospects given the opposing forces.
First Piper 