EU expected to sign Mercosur free-trade pact despite French opposition

EU ambassadors are due to indicate positions that could clear the way for the bloc to sign a long‑running free-trade agreement with Mercosur; France and other opponents have protested and remain opposed.

EU member states are expected to indicate their positions on a long‑running free‑trade agreement with Mercosur this week, a step that would allow the European Commission president to sign the accord. The deal was concluded by the Commission a year ago after more than 25 years of negotiations and is framed by supporters as a way to open markets and secure access to critical minerals. Opponents led by France say the pact risks increasing imports of cheaper farm products and have organised protests, including road blockades by farmers. The agreement still requires approval by the European Parliament before it can enter into force. Key details: - EU ambassadors from the 27 member states are due to indicate their governments' positions; approval at this stage requires support from 15 countries representing 65% of the bloc's population. - If that step goes ahead, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen could sign the agreement with Mercosur partners Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay; the European Parliament must later approve the accord. - The pact would remove around €4 billion in tariffs and aims to expand goods trade, with EU exports concentrated in machinery, chemicals and transport equipment and Mercosur exports focused on agricultural products, minerals, pulp and paper. - The European Commission has proposed safeguards to address farm concerns, including mechanisms to suspend imports of sensitive products, strengthened import controls on pesticide residues, a crisis fund and accelerated support measures for farmers. - France and Poland are reported to oppose the deal and farmers have staged protests; Italy is reported to have shifted from a previous no to a yes, and a final vote in the European Parliament is expected most likely in April or May. Summary: The immediate next steps are votes by EU ambassadors and written confirmations from member capitals, which would clear the way for the Commission president to sign the pact and for the European Parliament to schedule its approval vote. The agreement has divided governments and prompted farmer protests across the bloc, and the timing of final parliamentary approval is reported as most likely in April or May.