Archive · 19 Dec 2025
EU-Mercosur Trade Deal Faces Delays
Brazil and some European countries are trying to make a big trade deal, but Italy and France are not ready to agree.
They are worried about farmers and need more time.
The European Union's leader was supposed to go to Brazil to sign the deal, but now it might not happen.
Some farmers protested in Brussels, and the police had to use tear gas and water cannons to control the crowd.
The deal has been in the works for a long time and would be the biggest trade agreement for the EU.
Italy and France are not ready to support the EU-Mercosur trade deal due to agricultural concerns.
Brazilian President Lula warned he would not sign the deal if it was not concluded by the end of December 2023.
Italian Prime Minister Meloni asked for more time to win over farmers and support the agreement.
Protests by farmers in Brussels turned violent, with police using tear gas and water cannons.
The deal needs approval from EU governments, requiring a majority of 15 countries representing 65% of the bloc’s population.
- Who
- Brazil, Italy, France, European Union, Mercosur
- What
- Potential abandonment of the EU-Mercosur trade deal
- When
- December 2023
- Where
- Brazil, European Union
- Why
- Italy and France not ready to back the agreement due to agricultural concerns
- Countries Involved
- Brazil, Italy, France, European Union, Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay)
- Trade Agreement
- EU-Mercosur trade deal
- Brazilian President
- Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva
- Italian Prime Minister
- Giorgia Meloni
- French President
- Emmanuel Macron
- European Commission President
- Ursula von der Leyen
- Expected Signing Date
- End of December 2023
- Protest Location
- Brussels
- Protest Size
- About 7,000 people
