Overview
- European agriculture ministers met in Brussels as the Commission targeted a Jan. 12 signing of the EU‑Mercosur pact, with a qualified‑majority vote expected as soon as Friday.
- France, Poland and Hungary oppose the deal but currently lack the votes to block it, while Germany and Spain back it and Italy has signaled support after new concessions.
- The Commission is offering tighter protections, including lowering the activation threshold for safeguard measures from 10% to 5%, exploring relief on carbon‑linked fertilizer costs, and advancing €45 billion in CAP funds from 2028.
- Paris published an order suspending imports of products containing residues of five banned substances, effective immediately with up to one month to clear stocks, and the Commission has 10 days to review the measure.
- French farmers escalated actions with roadblocks around Toulouse and tractor convoys aiming for Paris, citing fears over Mercosur’s impact and frustration with the cattle DNC response, as Paris insists the current text remains insufficient.