Overview
- EU lawmakers approved a stricter safeguard regime by 431–161, lowering the import and price-trigger threshold to 5% and shortening investigations to as little as two to three months for sensitive products.
- Paris formally asked to delay the Council’s authorization for signature until it secures operational farm protections, equal production standards for imports, and tighter border checks.
- The European Commission says it is keeping the plan to sign on 20 December in Foz do Iguaçu, while senior officials warn a delay could harm EU credibility or jeopardize the pact.
- Farmer protests in France intensified with road blockades and plans to converge on Brussels, amplifying pressure on the government as EU leaders convene this week.
- Germany and Spain urge proceeding, while France courts allies including Italy, Poland and Ireland to assemble a blocking minority that could force a postponement.