Name: EU ministers to hold talks ahead of possible Mercosur deal signing
Uploaded: 2026-01-05T20:15:23.161Z
Duration: 1 min 16 s
Description: With the European Commission expected to offer assurances to opponents worried about their farmers, the EU’s 27 ministers will meet on Wednesday for a “political” discussion before an expected vote on the pivotal trade deal on Friday.

With the European Commission expected to offer assurances to opponents worried about their farmers, the EU’s 27 ministers will meet on Wednesday for a “political” discussion before an expected vote on the pivotal trade deal on Friday.

Brussels

European Union agriculture ministers are preparing for key political talks regarding the Mercosur free trade agreement, which could be put to a vote soon. The proposed deal would establish a free trade area between the EU and Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. 

The negotiations are marked by differing national interests, with Germany and Spain supporting swift approval to access new markets, while Italy and France have delayed a vote over concerns about competition for their farmers. The agenda also includes discussions on pesticide limits for imports and ongoing support for farmers' incomes under the next Common Agricultural Policy budget.

EU ministers to hold talks ahead of possible Mercosur deal signing

European Union agriculture ministers will meet on Wednesday for key political talks on the Mercosur deal that could lead to its vote on Friday. The deal aims to create a free trade area with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. More details on continued support for farmers' income in the next Common Agricultural Policy budget are also expected. Germany and Spain have been pushing for a quick endorsement in order to access new markets at a time of geoeconomic tensions. Meanwhile, Italy and France succeeded in postponing a crucial vote in order to protect their farmers, who worry they will be unable to compete with imports coming from Latin America. To be implemented, the deal needs support from a qualified majority of EU states. Wednesday's agenda includes pesticide limits for EU imports, with France pushing for equal production standards. The country is facing an agricultural crisis, with farmers protesting the Mercosur deal as well as the government's handling of a cattle disease outbreak.

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