Overview
- Speaking in Belém, Emmanuel Macron said he is “rather positive” about accepting the EU–Mercosur agreement while insisting he remains vigilant.
- The European Commission has proposed reinforced safeguard clauses and plans talks with Mercosur in the coming weeks, with EU and Brazil indicating they are disposed to a possible Dec. 20 signature.
- France’s agriculture minister Annie Genevard said France will not sign any deal that would condemn its farmers and outlined requirements for a specific agricultural safeguard, mirror measures, and stronger border checks.
- Major French farming groups, including FNSEA, Coordination Rurale and Confédération Paysanne, condemned Macron’s shift as a betrayal and warned of unfair competition tied to looser standards in South America.
- Ratification still requires approval by all 27 EU member states, and opponents in Parliament and civil society are preparing legal challenges, including a potential referral to the EU Court of Justice.