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Macron Signals Openness to EUMercosur Deal After Brussels Offers Farm Safeguards

Safeguard terms now under negotiation set up a tight race with legal and political hurdles before the EU's December target.

Overview

  • In Brazil, Emmanuel Macron said he is "rather positive" about accepting the agreement while insisting he remains vigilant to protect French interests.
  • The European Commission adopted the treaty on September 3 and outlined reinforced safeguards and support for livestock, with EU and Brazilian leaders indicating readiness to sign on December 20 in Rio.
  • France’s main farm unions, including FNSEA, Coordination rurale and Confédération paysanne, denounced the shift as a betrayal and warned of unfair competition from products produced under looser standards.
  • Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard said current guarantees are not sufficient, pressing for operational safeguards, mirror measures on standards and stronger import controls.
  • Several MEPs have moved toward a referral to the EU Court of Justice that could suspend the process, complicating efforts to secure unanimous member‑state approval by year‑end.