France Pushes to Delay EU-Mercosur Trade Deal Over Agriculture Safeguards.
France has urged the European Union to postpone signing the free trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay), saying conditions are not yet in place for EU member states to approve it.
Paris emphasized the need for stronger protections for European farmers, including robust safeguard clauses, EU-standard production requirements, and import controls. “Until we have assurances on these points, France will not accept the agreement,” Finance Minister Roland Lescure said.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is scheduled to meet Brazilian officials on Monday to finalize the deal, but EU member states must vote first. A European Parliament vote on safeguards is expected Tuesday.
If ratified, the pact would create a 722-million-strong common market, easing exports of EU goods while allowing Mercosur products such as beef and poultry into Europe—raising concerns among French farmers over competition.
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