EU Pushes to Finalize Mercosur Deal Despite French Resistance

Brussels, Belgium – December 15, 2025: European leaders are pushing to finalize the EU’s long-awaited trade agreement with South American bloc Mercosur by the end of the year, despite France’s last-minute objections. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is scheduled to travel to Brazil this weekend to sign the pact, which has been in negotiation for 20 years and is poised to create the world’s largest free-trade area.

Approval from EU member states remains a critical hurdle. President Emmanuel Macron has personally requested a delay, citing concerns over safeguards for French farmers. However, the European Commission and Germany reaffirmed that the deal must be concluded this year, emphasizing its economic, diplomatic, and geopolitical importance.

“This deal is a question of utmost importance for our European Union — economically, diplomatically, geopolitically, and in terms of our credibility on the global stage,” said an EU Commission spokesman.

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Key Provisions of the Trade Deal

The EU-Mercosur agreement aims to expand trade between Europe and South America by:

• Facilitating EU exports of vehicles, machinery, wine, and spirits to Mercosur countries
• Allowing Mercosur exports of beef, sugar, rice, honey, and soybeans into Europe

While supporters see the deal as crucial for boosting European exports and competing with China and the US, French farmers and officials are concerned about potential harm to the domestic agricultural sector. Farmers in Poland and other EU nations share similar concerns.

To address these worries, France is demanding:

• Strong safeguard clauses
• Tighter import controls
• Stricter standards for Mercosur producers

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Political and Public Opposition

Despite France’s resistance, the deal only requires a weighted majority of EU member states to pass. Germany, Spain, and Nordic countries are strong supporters, emphasizing the pact’s strategic importance for Europe’s trade and industry.

Up to 10,000 farmers are expected to protest in Brussels during the upcoming EU leaders’ summit, signaling widespread public opposition in key member states. European Parliament lawmakers are also considering further strengthening the safeguard measures to reassure farmers and address French concerns.

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Safeguards and Regulatory Measures

In a bid to placate France, the European Commission recently announced:

• Tighter inspections on agricultural imports to ensure compliance with EU standards
• Updated pesticide residue regulations to prevent banned substances from entering European markets

These measures aim to reduce domestic opposition and facilitate smoother ratification of the deal.

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Next Steps for Ratification

Von der Leyen intends to sign the agreement in Foz do Iguacu, Brazil, alongside leaders of Mercosur members Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. However, final approval will still require a vote by the European Parliament, likely in early 2026.

Opposition is expected to be strong, with French and Polish lawmakers likely to vote against, alongside far-left and far-right groups. With roughly 300 of the European Parliament’s 720 members expected to oppose, the vote could be narrowly decided, highlighting the delicate political balancing act required to finalize the historic trade deal.