Meloni says Italy will back EU-Mercosur deal, but does not commit to a date
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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Italy is prepared to back the EU-Mercosur trade deal but stopped short of committing to a timeline, as divisions persist among EU leaders over the agreement.
In a statement after a phone call with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Meloni said Rome does not oppose the deal but wants stronger guarantees for farmers before giving its final approval. “The Italian government is ready to sign the agreement as soon as the necessary answers are provided to the agricultural sector,” she said, adding that this would depend on decisions taken by the European Commission.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had been expected to attend a signing ceremony in Brazil on 20 December, but without backing from member states the signature cannot proceed.
Meloni’s tone followed earlier comments to the Italian parliament, where she described the deal as “premature” and said additional measures to protect agriculture needed to be finalised and discussed with farmers. Italy’s stance is seen as crucial, as it could determine whether the EU can secure the qualified majority required to move the agreement forward.
