Overview
- Speaking in Belém ahead of COP30 talks, Emmanuel Macron said he is "rather positive" about the pact but remains vigilant to defend French interests.
- Macron credited the European Commission with proposing stronger safeguards, support for livestock, and tighter customs protections, and said Brussels will work in the coming weeks for the clauses to be accepted.
- The agreement, signed in late 2024 and adopted by the European Commission on September 3, still needs approval from all 27 EU countries, and Brussels hopes to secure sign‑offs by the end of December.
- French Europe Minister Benjamin Haddad reiterated that the strengthened safeguard clause must be adopted and recognized by Latin American countries before any signature.
- Brazil’s presidency said after a Lula–von der Leyen meeting that the parties are willing to sign at the December 20 Mercosur summit in Rio, a signal of intent rather than a confirmed date.