France Seeks Delay on EU–Mercosur Votes as Commission Pushes for Year-End Signing

Overview

• France’s prime minister’s office formally asked to postpone the European Parliament and Council votes scheduled for 16 and 18 December.
• The European Commission called the pact of “maximum importance” and said it still expects to sign by year-end, with a ceremony planned at the Mercosur summit in Foz do Iguaçu on 20 December.
• Germany urged approval this week, Italy was reported to back a delay, and Poland is expected to oppose without forming a blocking minority.
• The proposed protections include market monitoring and potential temporary suspension of tariff preferences for sensitive agricultural products, measures France says are not yet operational.
• Brazil’s foreign ministry voiced confidence in a Saturday signing, even as farmer protests and warnings from some EU capitals point to risks for the current timetable.