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EU Tightens Farm Import Checks and Pesticide Rules Ahead of Mercosur Votes

France conditions its backing on concrete assurances over safeguards, mirror measures, tighter controls.

Overview

  • Brussels plans 50% more inspections in exporting countries within two years and 33% more audits at EU border posts to verify compliance.
  • The Commission will update import residue rules and convene a pesticides working group, pledging not to allow the most dangerous EU‑banned pesticides back via imports.
  • France says it still awaits concrete answers on a safeguard clause, mirror measures and reinforced controls before validating the accord.
  • EU governments are due to vote on the agreement from December 16–19, with a signature targeted for December 20 in Foz do Iguaçu if approved, and a European Parliament ratification vote expected in early 2026.
  • EU states have already approved a safeguard clause to be reviewed by MEPs mid‑December, and the Commission says the new controls are not formally linked to the vote though they would help implementation.