Overview
- Speaking in Belém, Emmanuel Macron said he is “rather positive” about accepting the trade pact but remains vigilant to defend French interests.
- Macron credited the European Commission with tougher safeguard clauses plus targeted support for the livestock sector and stronger internal market protections.
- He said the Commission will work in the coming weeks with Mercosur to secure acceptance of the new safeguards.
- The treaty was signed at the end of 2024 and adopted by the Commission on September 3, 2025, but still needs approval from all 27 EU governments.
- France’s Europe minister Benjamin Haddad insists Latin American partners must adopt the reinforced safeguard clause before any signing, as Les Républicains press for a parliamentary vote; Brussels seeks member‑state approval by year‑end, and Brazil’s presidency has indicated willingness to sign at the December 20 Mercosur summit in Rio.