France seeks delay to EU-Mercosur vote, exposing deepening divisions over trade deal
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France has called for a postponement of a key EU vote on the long-running EU-Mercosur trade agreement, deepening divisions among member states over the deal. Paris wants December deadlines pushed back, arguing more time is needed to secure “legitimate protections” for European agriculture, particularly safeguards against increased imports of Latin American beef and poultry.
The move comes as negotiations with Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay near completion after more than 25 years, with the agreement set to create a market of over 700 million people.
Denmark, which currently holds the EU Council presidency, insists the vote should proceed in time for Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to sign the deal in Brazil on December 20.
Several countries warn that further delays could jeopardise the agreement altogether, especially with sceptical Paraguay set to assume the Mercosur presidency.
Pro-deal countries such as Germany, Spain and Sweden argue France’s concerns have already been addressed through proposed safeguards and stronger EU border controls. However, France maintains these measures are not yet finalised or operational, citing political sensitivity at home amid strong opposition from farmers. Final talks may now extend beyond this week’s EU leaders’ summit, with protests planned in Brussels.
