Overview
- European Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho confirmed the signature is pushed to January, with EU diplomats indicating January 12 in Paraguay is a working target.
- An EU official said a delay deal was struck with Italy on the understanding Rome would back the agreement in January, while Emmanuel Macron said France is not ready to sign yet.
- Thousands of farmers brought tractors into Brussels, blocked roads and clashed with police using water cannon and tear gas, with some European Parliament staff evacuated due to damage.
- EU lawmakers this week tightened proposed safeguards, lowering monitoring thresholds to about 5% and allowing temporary duties if harmful import surges hit sensitive products.
- Brazil’s President Lula warned against indefinite delays but said Giorgia Meloni asked for “patience,” as Germany, Spain and Nordic countries pressed to close the pact and Ursula von der Leyen voiced confidence in securing a majority.