EU summons farm ministers to secure Mercosur deal backing

EU agriculture ministers were convened for last-minute talks to persuade Italy and other hesitant members to back the Mercosur trade deal; commissioners are expected to outline funding reassurances and a vote was reported as expected this week, possibly as early as January 12.

EU ministers met for urgent talks on the Mercosur trade deal to address outstanding concerns from member states. Italy and France have raised farmer worries about imports and sought stronger guarantees on standards and reciprocity. The Commission prepared to present funding reassurances and import-control measures ahead of a scheduled vote. Key points: - The Commission convened all 27 EU agriculture ministers for talks to secure support for the Mercosur agreement. - Commissioners for agriculture, trade and health are to outline measures including Common Agricultural Policy funding reassurances and a proposed €6.3 billion crisis fund. - Officials said they would review import controls, including permissible maximum pesticide residue levels, and discuss reciprocity and standards for imported products. - The EU executive is seeking the qualified majority needed to authorise signature, and a vote was reported as expected this week, possibly as early as January 12. Summary: The talks are intended to address farmer concerns and secure the majority needed to authorise the EU signature on the Mercosur deal. A formal vote was reported as expected this week, possibly as early as January 12.