The European Union has delayed the signing of a massive free-trade deal with South American countries, known as the EU-Mercosur deal, following intense protests by farmers in Brussels. Thousands of farmers, concerned about the impact of cheaper imports on their livelihoods, blocked roads and clashed with police, prompting the use of tear gas and water cannons. France and Italy, key opponents of the deal, demanded stronger safeguards for European farmers, citing concerns over environmental regulations and unfair competition.
The deal, 25 years in the making, aims to create the world’s largest free-trade area, covering a market of 780 million people and a quarter of the globe’s GDP. Supporters argue it would offer a clear alternative to China’s export controls and the US’s tariff blitzkrieg, while detractors claim it would undermine EU environmental regulations and the agricultural sector. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez urged EU leaders to back the pact, but France’s Emmanuel Macron insisted it wasn’t ready.
The European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, hopes to sign the agreement in January, pending approval from EU member states. However, opposition from France, Italy, Poland, and Hungary could block the deal, which requires a two-thirds majority vote.
