France and Italy Push to Delay EU–Mercosur Votes as Brussels Presses for Dec. 20 Signing

Overview

• France formally asked to postpone December European Parliament and Council votes, arguing farm protections are not yet operational.
• Reuters reporting says Italy’s Giorgia Meloni agreed with Emmanuel Macron on delaying, increasing the chance of a blocking minority that could include Poland.
• The European Commission says it still aims for approval this week to enable a 20 December signature in Brazil, with votes planned for 16 and 18 December under the Danish presidency.
• Germany and other supporters call the deal urgent, and farmers plan a 18 December protest in Brussels over import and standards concerns.
• Brazil’s foreign ministry voices optimism about a weekend signing as the Commission highlights about €4 billion in annual tariff savings benefiting roughly 60,000 EU exporters.