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EU Sets Early-Week Votes as France Balks at Mercosur Trade Deal

A pending Council decision faces uncertainty driven by ongoing talks, French resistance, Italian farm concerns.

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Overview

  • Denmark, which holds the EU Council presidency, says member states plan to vote early next week to enable a Dec. 20 signing in Foz do Iguaçu.
  • The European Commission says negotiations among the 27 remain in progress and it cannot confirm a trip by Ursula von der Leyen to sign the pact.
  • France’s economy minister declared the treaty unacceptable in its current form and outlined demands for a strong safeguard clause, mirror production standards and tighter import controls.
  • Italy’s foreign minister acknowledged outstanding issues to protect agriculture and pointed to this week’s European Parliament vote on proposed safeguards before any signing.
  • Final clearance requires a qualified majority in the Council (15 states representing 65% of the EU population); Poland has declared opposition, France and Italy have not committed, and Mercosur leaders say they are ready to sign on Dec. 20.