Overview
- EU governments approved the accord by qualified majority, setting up a Commission signing that reporters say could happen as early as Monday in Paraguay.
- France voted no but failed to assemble a blocking minority, a setback that has intensified domestic criticism of Emmanuel Macron’s European clout.
- Rassemblement National and La France insoumise filed censure motions against Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, with a vote expected next week and Macron warning of dissolution if the government falls.
- Farmers sustained blockades and convoy actions nationwide and unions promised fresh protests, including a Jan. 20 rally at the European Parliament in Strasbourg if the pact is signed.
- The government unveiled an additional €300 million for farmers and is exploring European Parliament, national parliamentary and Court of Justice avenues to challenge or delay provisional application, as concerns persist over import quotas for beef and poultry.