EU Set for Vote on Mercosur Trade Deal as France Vows to Vote No

Overview

• Italy signaled support after Brussels proposed advancing about €45 billion in agricultural funding, putting a Council authorization within reach.
• President Emmanuel Macron said France will oppose the pact, with Ireland, Hungary and Poland also against it, and Paris imposed a one‑year ban on imports containing residues of five EU‑banned pesticides pending Commission review.
• French farm unions drove tractors into central Paris, blocked major roads and landmarks, and triggered about 150 km of congestion to protest the agreement and domestic livestock‑disease measures.
• The Commission offered further concessions, including zero tariffs on urea and ammonia fertilizers, encouragement of temporary exemptions from the carbon border charge, and reinforced reciprocity and sanitary controls.
• Italy is pressing for an emergency safeguard that would activate at 5% price or volume shifts, and even if the Council authorizes signature the deal still requires European Parliament approval, with a formal signing in Paraguay possible on January 12.