Overview
- EU agriculture ministers met in Brussels as the Commission sought qualified‑majority backing this week to sign, with reports pointing to a possible January 12 ceremony.
- Ursula von der Leyen proposed an advance of €45 billion for the next Common Agricultural Policy and tighter safeguards, including an automatic trigger lowered to 5% for curbing import surges.
- Brussels also floated EU‑wide bans on imports containing residues of substances prohibited in Europe, echoing France’s unilateral arrêté that now awaits Commission scrutiny within ten days.
- Paris remains short of allies to block the deal—Italy signals support alongside Germany and Spain—while French unions drive large tractor convoys toward the capital despite prefectural bans and multiple arrests.
- Even if signed, the agreement would face a close vote in the European Parliament and months of national ratifications, and discussions continue over easing carbon border costs on fertilizers.