Overview
- The European Commission says it still expects to conclude the pact by year‑end, with Ursula von der Leyen targeting a signature at Saturday’s Mercosur summit in Brazil.
- Paris has formally requested a postponement and set three conditions: a strong safeguard clause, ‘mirror’ rules applying EU production standards to Mercosur goods, and tighter import controls.
- EU capitals could approve the signature by qualified majority, though the numbers are uncertain and diplomats say Italy’s stance may prove decisive.
- Germany has endorsed signing and, along with Spain and Nordic countries, urges swift approval as some officials warn that further delay risks a broader EU setback.
- The accord would remove most tariffs and, according to Commission estimates, could lift EU exports to Mercosur by up to 39 percent, while the design of farm safeguards remains under negotiation with a Parliament vote expected this week.