French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that he hopes a one-month delay in finalizing the EU-Mercosur trade agreement will be enough to secure safeguards demanded by France, though he cautioned it was too early to be certain.
Speaking after the European Union postponed a planned signing of the deal until January, Macron said he wanted guarantees that South American agricultural imports would meet the same standards imposed on European producers. He said he hoped the EU and Mercosur countries could approve such measures next month.
A protester holds a sign, as farmers protest against the EU-Mercosur free-trade deal between the European Union and the South American countries of Mercosur, on the day of a European Union leaders’ summit, in Brussels, Belgium, December 18, 2025. REUTERS/Yves Herman
The trade pact with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, concluded after 25 years of negotiations, would be the EU’s largest in terms of tariff reductions. Supporters including Germany, Spain and Nordic countries argue it is needed to boost exports hit by U.S. tariffs and reduce Europe’s reliance on China by securing access to key raw materials.
However, the agreement has faced strong resistance from farmers and several governments worried about an influx of cheaper agricultural goods. France and Italy have raised concerns over increased imports of beef, sugar and poultry, while Poland and Hungary oppose the deal outright.
A tractor with a text reading: “Our end = Your hunger, Stop Mercosur, Ursula, we’re here, RIP EU agriculture” is parked on a street, as farmers protest against the EU-Mercosur free-trade deal between the European Union and the South American countries of Mercosur, on the day of a European Union leaders’ summit, in Brussels, Belgium, December 18, 2025. REUTERS/Yves Herman
Police officers stand guard next to the fire as farmers protest against the EU-Mercosur free-trade deal between the European Union and the South American countries of Mercosur, on the day of a European Union leaders’ summit, in Brussels, Belgium, December 18, 2025. REUTERS/Yves Herman
A protester walks next to burning tyres on a square near the European Parliament, as farmers protest against the EU-Mercosur free-trade deal between the European Union and the South American countries of Mercosur, on the day of a European Union leaders’ summit, in Brussels, Belgium, December 18, 2025. REUTERS/Yves Herman TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Signing delayed amid divisions
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had been due to travel to Brazil for a signing ceremony this weekend, but EU sources, as reported by Reuters, said the move was postponed after Italy asked for more time to address domestic opposition from farmers. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Rome was ready to support the agreement once agricultural concerns were resolved.
Tractors block a street near the European Council building as farmers protest against the EU-Mercosur free-trade deal between the European Union and the South American countries of Mercosur, on the day of a European Union leaders’ summit, in Brussels, Belgium, December 18, 2025. REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said he had spoken with Meloni and would consult Mercosur partners on next steps, though he warned earlier this week that he did not want the process to drag on indefinitely.
Under EU rules, the deal requires approval from at least 15 member states representing 65% of the bloc’s population, making Italy’s position pivotal.
Farmers gather near the European Parliament, as they protest against the EU-Mercosur free-trade deal between the European Union and the South American countries of Mercosur, on the day of a European Union leaders’ summit, in Brussels, Belgium, December 18, 2025. REUTERS/Yves Herman
Macron: “We are not ready”
Macron reiterated that France believes the agreement cannot be signed in its current form. “As we speak, we are not ready; the numbers do not add up to sign this agreement,” he said, adding that Paris had worked with Poland, Belgium, Austria and Ireland to push for a delay.
SENSITIVE MATERIAL. THIS IMAGE MAY OFFEND OR DISTURB A police officer walks with a wounded man, as farmers protest against the EU-Mercosur free-trade deal between the European Union and the South American countries of Mercosur, on the day of a European Union leaders’ summit, in Brussels, Belgium, December 18, 2025. REUTERS/Yves Herman TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
France’s stance comes amid rising domestic pressure from farmers, who are already angry over the government’s handling of lumpy skin disease affecting cattle. In recent days, farmers in southwestern France have blocked highways, deepening opposition to the Mercosur pact.
EU lawmakers and governments reached a provisional agreement this week on safeguards to cap imports of sensitive products such as beef and sugar. The European Commission is also preparing a declaration pledging closer alignment of production standards, a step Macron said was essential to ensure reciprocity.
Police officers try to stop a protester, near the European Parliament, as farmers protest against the EU-Mercosur free-trade deal between the European Union and the South American countries of Mercosur, on the day of a European Union leaders’ summit, in Brussels, Belgium, December 18, 2025. REUTERS/Yves Herman
Protests turn violent
The debate spilled onto the streets in Brussels, where around 7,000 mostly farming protesters gathered during an EU summit. Belgian police fired tear gas and water cannon after some demonstrators hurled rocks and potatoes, smashed windows and drove a tractor toward riot police.
Tires burn next to the vandalised Monument to John Cockerill at Luxembourg Square near the European Parliament, as farmers protest against the EU-Mercosur free-trade deal between the European Union and the South American countries of Mercosur, on the day of a European Union leaders’ summit, in Brussels, Belgium, December 18, 2025. REUTERS/Yves Herman
A police officer clashes with protesters, as farmers protest against the EU-Mercosur free-trade deal between the European Union and the South American countries of Mercosur, on the day of a European Union leaders’ summit, in Brussels, Belgium, December 18, 2025. REUTERS/Yves Herman
