Macron Asserts French Opposition to EU-Mercosur Trade Deal

The French president aims to block the agreement over concerns about agriculture, environmental standards, and competition fairness.

French President Emmanuel Macron has reaffirmed France's opposition to the EU-Mercosur trade deal, citing threats to French agriculture and environmental standards.
The agreement, announced in December 2024, seeks to create a free trade zone between the EU and Mercosur nations, including Brazil and Argentina.
France is working to form a 'blocking minority' within the EU to prevent the deal's ratification, which requires approval from at least 15 member states representing 65% of the EU population.
French lawmakers and agricultural groups argue that the deal could lead to unfair competition, deforestation in the Amazon, and undermine EU climate goals.
While Germany and Spain support the agreement, France's stance has garnered backing from Italy, Poland, and its farmers, who continue to protest the deal.