Overview
- Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard said France will not sign the pact in its current form, arguing it would condemn French farmers.
- Genevard set red lines that include an agricultural safeguard clause, a ban on imports that fail EU standards, and reinforced sanitary checks.
- Her stance contrasts with President Emmanuel Macron’s recent optimism in Brazil, drawing a sharp rebuke from farm union FNSEA as a “complete betrayal.”
- The agreement was signed in 2024 and adopted by the European Commission on September 3, 2025, but it requires unanimous approval by 27 EU states, with France leading reluctance alongside Austria and Ireland.
- A French refusal could stall implementation or force new talks, curbing Mercosur exporters’ access to EU markets, including key opportunities for Argentina.